Jeffery Vance Steele

Jeff Steele, 53, of Unionville, MO, passed away at his home on Monday, September 25, 2017, after an almost ten year battle with cancer. Jeff kept a positive attitude throughout his ordeal and stayed as active as possible until the end.

Jeffery Vance Steele was born in Centerville, IA, on December 10, 1963, the son of Garold and Sharon (Lowe) Steele. He grew up on the family farm and attended Putnam County R-1 High School where he was active in track and FFA. Jeff earned his State Farmer’s degree from FFA in 1982. He graduated from PCHS in 1982. While in high school Jeff worked for Williamson Oil Company. He and his family were actively engaged in showing cattle at the Putnam County Fair and at cattle shows across the Mid-west where they met lots of friends. Jeff and his Dad joined the North American Limousin Foundation early in the beginning of that association. Jeff was also a member of Heartland Limousin Foundation. Jeff and Angie Hays were married in Unionville on September 15, 1984.

Jeff worked with Dr. Fon Owings early on while working as a Plant Food manager, first for MFA and then for Fowler Elevator when they purchased the MFA operation. He continued in that job when Helena bought Fowler Elevator. Jeff also was engaged in a cattle operation with his son Josh, where they continued to raise Limousin cattle. He was actively involved with his daughter Danielle and Josh as the two showed cattle in their teenage years.

Jeff was a hard worker who rarely sat still. He was honest beyond reproach and felt it important to always keep his word. He had a forgiving spirit and was never judgmental. He knew how to make life and family fun, including being a big tease to friends and those he loved. Jeff’s active life always included his family and he loved to play with Danica Sue, his three year old granddaughter, whom he called Pumpkin; she called him Poppy.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Angie, his daughter, Danielle (David) Luchsinger of Waverly, IA, and his son Josh Steele of Unionville, MO. His granddaughter, Danica Sue Luchsinger also survives with another Luchsinger granddaughter due in November. Jeff’s parents, Garold and Sharon Steele survive as well as a brother, Jim (Liz) Steele, and a sister, Barb (Jerry) Tilden, all of Unionville, MO. Other survivors are Jeff’s father and mother-in-law, Tyrone and Sue Hays, sisters-in-law Annette (Kraig) Valentine, Amber Hays, and Joy (Jeff) Anderson, who was married to Jeff’s brother John before John passed away.

Jeff was preceded in death by a brother, John Steele, his paternal grandparents, Wayne and Juanita Steele, and his maternal grandparents, Floyd and Wanda Lowe.

Funeral services for Jeff Steele will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 1:30 pm on Friday, September 29, 2017. Visitation will from 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Thursday, September 28. Interment will be at the Thompson Cemetery east of Unionville, MO.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Northeast Missouri and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.