Earl Thomas Steele departed this life and went home to be with the Lord, on Saturday December 9, 2023, at Reid Health in Connersville at the age of 87, with his loving family gathered by his side. Earl was born on April 3, 1936, in Brazil, Jackson County, Kentucky, the first born of 12, to Eston and Veron Richardson Steele.

On January 28, 1953, in Connersville, IN, he was united in marriage to the former Mary Appleby.  Earl and Mary shared 70 of marriage prior to his death.  They were blessed with five children.

In his younger years, Earl had worked in tree surgery and cabinetry.  He also worked for Farm Bureau Co-Op in Connersville, D&M/WCI, and several other factories in the area including Carpenter Bus Factory in Richmond.

Earl was an avid coon hunter.  He had served as the treasurer of the Everton Conservation Club. Earl had a passion for sports and loved basketball.  He enjoyed watching his grandson play basketball.  Not only did he have a passion for basketball and hunting, but he also loved bluegrass music.  He attended many area music events.  In his earlier years, he attended Full Gospel Holiness Church where he played his guitar.  In recent years, he visited local area churches.   Earl loved Chrysler products.  He owned a couple of Mopar cars that he entered into car show, winning several trophies.  Most of all his most valued treasure was his family.  He cherished the time he spent at dinners, gatherings and especially holidays.

Earls love and memory will be forever cherished by his wife, Mary; daughters, Debbie (Bennie) Hurley and Diane (Jerry) Rader; son Russell (Judy) Steele: and his grandchildren, Debbie Miller, Tonia Steele, Cynthia Hurley-Walling, Brian Hurley, Roxanne Steele, Shelby Steele, Janette Steele, Nathan Schoettmer, Krystal Stone and Steven Pitts; as well as several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.  He will be thought of often by his siblings, Junior Steele, Denver Dale Steele, Paul Steele, Iona McFarland, Elvira Lovins, and Naomi "Sugar" Steele, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Earl Michael Steele: a daughter, Pamela Jane Steele; a grandson, Sean Steele; brothers, Hurel D. Steele, Burrel J. Steele, Gorden Steele and Lester Steele and a sister Romona Crawford.

Funeral services well be held at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, Connersville, on Saturday December 16, 2023, at 1:00 pm with Reverend Denver Dale Steele and Reverend Jerry Rader officiating.  Friends may gather with the family from 11:00 am, December 16, 2023, until the hour of the service.  Earl will be laid to rest at Dale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in honor of Earl may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.