Thomas "Tom" Steele

     Thomas "Tom" Steele, 78, of La Grande, Oregon, died at his home Wednesday, October 16, 2019 with his wife at his side.  A family gathering will be held in the spring/summer of 2020.

     Thomas Glenn Steele was born on September 4, 1941 in Alma, Missouri  He went to  Riverside Elementary School in Elwell, Michigan and graduated in 1959 from Alma High School in Alma, Michigan.

     He met his future wife Ann through friends.  On May 19, 1961 he married Pauline "Ann" Gillikin and together they had four children Billy, David, Connie and Patti.

    Tom served in the US Navy for 4 years from 1959 to 1963.  He then went to work for Sear's Roebuck in service repair and did so for 20 plus years.  He also worked for Chuck Colvin Ford as an auto mechanic and in Alaska he did repair for John Deere and numerous others.  He was a member of the American Legion     He enjoyed repairing tractors, hunting, fishing and woodwork.  Tom's philosophy of life was to "stay busy."  He always felt that taking care of his family was the top priority and always treating others right.  Memorable times included his marriage, birth of his children, fishing on the snake river and hunting up in the woods. 

     He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Violet, sister Joyce; Grandsons Adrian (age 3) Austin (age 12)

     Tom is survived by his wife Ann; daughters Connie Carter of Arnegard, ND, Patti Steele of Portland, Oregon; sons Billy Steele of Haines, Oregon and David Steele of Kenai, Alaska; brothers Ronald Steele of Elwell, Michigan; 8 grandchildren;  3 great grandchildren.

    For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory the La Grande American Legion or V.F.W. through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com