Michael Robert Steele, 75, of Franklin passed away on Jan. 17, 2024, at Sentara RMH in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
He was born on Sept. 30, 1948, in Richmond, Indiana, the son of the late Bob and Margaret Steele.
Mr. Steele was a graduate of Richmond High School and attended St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. He retired in 2013, after working from 1977-2013 for the Sugar Grove Naval Base in public works as a mechanic. He was a proud American veteran, having served in the Vietnam War in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee and in the U.S. Army during Desert Storm.
He was quite an accomplished man, and his passion was giving back to the community. He was a dedicated member of Franklin Volunteer Fire Department, as well as an EMT for Franklin Rescue Squad and a member of the Tactical Skills Team, where he assisted in water, cave and rock climbing rescues. He was instrumental in rescue operations and clean-up during the flood of 1985. He donated his time to help his fellow veterans by being a volunteer driver for transportation to the VA facility in Martinsburg. He enjoyed being an active member of the Killbuck Riflemen Association, was fond of riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle to work daily, and was an accomplished scuba diver.
In October of 1972, he married his wife of 51 years, Fay (Brown) Steele, who survives.
In addition to his wife, he leaves behind to cherish his memory a daughter, Anna Steele (Charlie Hammer) of Harrisonburg, Virginia; three sons, Loren Steele of San Francisco, California, Joshua Steele of Richmond, Virginia, and Anthony Steele of Franklin; a sister, Lora Harter of Indianapolis, Indiana; three brothers, Tony Steele of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Tim Steele (Teresa) of Jacksonville, Florida, and Jon Steele (Kelly) of Tampa, Florida; and a granddaughter, Lilyfae Hammer.
He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Rita Robinson and Sandy Wagers.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Franklin with Father Mario Claro and Father Dan Pisano officiating.
Memorials may be made to Franklin Volunteer Fire Department or Rescue Squad.
Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.
