John W. Steele, 83, a longtime resident of Edmond,
Oklahoma, peacefully passed away on January 31, 2022,
surrounded by his loving wife Rose and four children.
John was born on October 3.1938, in Philadelphia, PA, to
parents Catharine Marie McColgan and Walter Hagenbucher.
Separating and relocating to Fayetteville, AR, his
mother remarried Richard D. Steele when he was 12 years
old. Richard officially adopted John and his siblings,
giving him his last name. At Fayetteville High School,
not only was John Senior class President, quarterback,
and co-captain of the football team, but he received the
prestigious Randall Osborne Award, recognizing the Most
Outstanding Student and Sports Leader at the school. He
was a veteran of the Arkansas National Guard. He played
quarterback at Coffeyville Junior College and graduated
from the University of Arkansas in 1961. It was here he
met his wife of 39 years, Linda Rae Hathaway.
After starting their family in Arkansas, John and Linda
settled in Oklahoma (1966), where they cultivated a
loving and impactful community - forging lifelong
friendships through the arts, numerous charities, and
clubs. Their bridge group meets to this day.
Whether at the theatre, in the office, or on the golf
course, John Steele’s
presence never went unnoticed - mentoring hundreds of
employees over a 33-year career at State Farm Insurance.
John was a dedicated husband, father, grandpa, boss,
actor, golfer, mentor, and friend. He never missed an
opportunity to share his wisdom and support.
All the world’s
a stage, and John loved every minute on it. John
performed in over 80 productions in OKC. Whether he was
on stage at Lyric Theatre, Jewel Box Theatre, or Poteet,
he was a crowd favorite with his impeccable comedic
timing. Favorite roles include Starkeeper in Carousel,
Benny Southstreet in Guys and Dolls, Luther Billis in
South Pacific, Moonface Martin in Anything Goes, Charlie
Baker in The Foreigner, Alphie Doolittle in My Fair
Lady, Saunders in Lend Me A Tenor with his tagline
“Get
the Picture” in every role. A passionate supporter of
the Arts, if he wasn’t
on the stage, he was in the audience. Every cast member
knew when he was there, just from his laugh. Crowds
consider him an Oklahoma theatre legend. All his fellow
cast members treasured his professionalism, talent, and
willingness to teach. He was a calming force in all his
endeavors.
John was a scratch golfer he played for years at
Kickingbird and was a member at Silverhorn and Rose
Creek, where he formed many treasured friendships. John
made four holes-in-one and an elusive double eagle.
John was a St. John The Baptist Catholic Church member
for over 47 years. It was there he met his second wife,
Rose Hoyt - two widows who never planned on remarrying.
With a shared devotion for their church parish, John and
Rose were committed to their weekly Adoration. John was
a faithful mass coordinator for over 25 years. Learning
and laughing through the years, John taught Rose how to
play golf - a new passion she continues to this day. The
two spent their days spoiling their many grandchildren
and great-grandchildren. If it was sharing a meal at
Johnnie’s
or receiving a beautiful Hallmark card, these times will
be missed.
John is survived by his devoted wife of 16 years, Rose
Marino Hoyt-Steele of Edmond, daughter Cathy and husband
Alan Killion of Owasso, OK, daughter Christy and husband
Tod Kessler of Prosper, TX; son Steven and wife Collette
Steele of Edmond, OK; and daughter Cyndi Steele-Harrod
and husband Chris Harrod of New York City, NY.
Grandchildren Grant and Kylie Killion, Blaine and Sami
Killion, Clark Killion, Garrett Killion, Brandon and
Jessica Kessler, Austin Kessler, Remington Steele, Anna
Steele, Linda Steele, Dalton Harrod, Kellan Harrod, and
Ronn Burton. Great-Grandchildren Benjamin, Campbell,
Caroline, Lucas, and Nicolas Killion. Special friend
Doug Cunningham, whom he considered his second son.
Siblings Joyce Roff, Lieutenant General Martin R. Steele
USMC (Ret.), Bonnie Strode, and a host of nieces and
nephews.
A wake and Rosary service will be held Monday, February
7, 2022 at 6pm at Smith & Kernke N. May Chapel. Mass of
Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am Tuesday at
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 9th & Boulevard in
Edmond followed by burial at 3pm at Rose Hill Burial
Park.
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In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider
donating to Mercy Health Foundation (Cancer Care), St.
Labre Indian School, Ashland, MT; or Chickenshed NYC
Theatre Company. |
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Published by Smith & Kernke Funeral
Homes & Crematory February 4, 2022.
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John was the son of
Walter and
Catharine McColgan Hagenbucher
of Philadelphia; grandson of
John and
Mary Jane Tinneny McColgan
of Greenock, Scotland and Pennsauken, New Jersey and the
great-grandson of
Patrick
“Yankee
Pat” Tinneny
of Goladuff, Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh, Northern
Ireland, Greenock, Scotland and Philaadelphia, and his wife Margaret Malloy.
