William Ward “Bill” Steele, 93, formerly of Agency, died at 6:30 p.m. March 15, 2023 at his home in Keokuk.
He was born September 12, 1929 in Ottumwa to James Andrew and Helen Bernice Schaub Steele. Bill married Wilma Black on May 24, 1953 at Agency United Methodist Church.
A 1948 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Bill served from 1948-1952 with the US Air Force and 2 years in the USAF Reserves.
Bill had worked at Sears Roebuck & Co. for 12 years and then starting in 1968 co-owned Steele’s TV and Appliance with his brother, Richard, retiring in 1991.
He was a member of Agency United Methodist Church, now Agency Community Church, Empire Masonic Lodge #269 A.F. & A.M., KAABA Shrine, Ottumwa Shrine Club where he was a member of the Ragtops, I.O.O.F. Magnolia Lodge #24, Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and B.P.O. Elks Lodge #347. Bill had served 9 years as mayor of Agency and he enjoyed golfing.
Surviving is his wife, Wilma; their daughters, Lynne Steele of Norwalk and Luann (Greg) Babington of Keokuk; 2 grandchildren, Katy (Andrew) Borders and Craig (Jessica) Calhoun; 6 great-grandchildren, Madelyn, William and Catherine Borders, Jack, Piper and Bella Calhoun; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard Steele.
Visitation will be open at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 22nd at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23rd at Agency Community Church with Pastor Kelly W. Peavey officiating. Burial will be in Ottumwa Cemetery with military honors conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.
Memorials may be made to Agency Community Church or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
