Joe Steele

Joe Steele of Connersville passed away at his residence on Thursday October 29 2026, at the age of 97. Joe was born in rural Fayette County on November 15, 1928, the son of William D. Steele and Provie (Brewer) Steele.

On August 30, 1952, at Western Avenue Baptist Church he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carolyn Hughes. They shared over 70 years of marriage prior to her death on January 2, 2026.

In 1947 he joined the United State Army where he served until 1951 and attained the rank of Sergeant. After his honorable discharge, he joined the Indiana National Guard and served for 18 years retiring with the rank of Captain. Joe was a member of the Western Avenue Baptist Church. He was very active in the church and for over 40 years he taught the Men’s Sunday School class and served as a Deacon.

After 44 years of service, he retired from Ford Electronics in 1991. He enjoyed going fishing, reading western novels, and most recently watching documentaries on YouTube. He and Carolyn loved to travel and lived in Haines City, Florida for 10 years.

Joe left behind to cherish his love and memories, his children, David (Carol) Steele, June (Jim) Helms, Ray (Joyce) Steele and Don (Syndi) Steele; grandchildren; Dawn Crawley (Tom), Amanda Fisher (Joe), Jennifer Steele, Erica Steele-Miller, Matthew Steele, Dustin Steele, Tara Vinson (Jacob), Michael Helms (Ashley), and great-grandchildren; Elaina McCreary, Jacob McCreary, Aaron Helms, Aidan Helms, Reagan Miller, Luke Steele, Jaxson Helms, Lia Crawley, Haisley Helms, Heston Helms, Holland Helms, and great-great-grandchild Genevieve Helms; siblings, Sara “Tutti” Steele, Helen Friend, Judy Moody and Lillian Humphrey, as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Doris Hall, Earl Steele and Alpheus Steele.

Friends and family may gather at Urban Winkler Funeral Home on Wednesday November 4, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be conducted at the funeral home on Thursday November 5, 2026, at 11:00 am. Burial with graveside military services will follow at Dale Cemetery.