Obituary for Clayton Albert Steele
Clayton Steele, in his 101st year, passed away peacefully at Riverview Gardens Long Term Care Facility on Tuesday, May 16th, 2023. He was born on the 1st of September, 1922 to Robert and Alice Steele on the family farm near Dresden. He was married to the love of his life and best friend Gwen (McMaster) Steele for 70 years until her death in 2017. Together they made their home in Chatham.
Blessed to call him Dad were his three daughters and sons-in-law, Maureen and Eric Saunders, Ruth and Ray McFadden, and Hope and Ted Cunningham. The best "Gramps" to Nicole and Jason Laprise, Todd and Christa Saunders, Jeff and Danielle McFadden, Michelle and Tyler Dam, Pam and Dan Forbes, Kristen Cunningham and Garret MacGillivray and Lauren Cunningham and Sam Faris, Grandpa Clayt to Caleb, Marin, Jude, Selah, Willa, Oaklyn, Beckham, Hudson and Hattie. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his precious infant son Brent, his parents, his brothers Russell, John, and Carson Steele and his only sister Mary Jordan.
Clayt was first and foremost a faithful follower of Christ. He had a true servant's heart that was evident in everything he did. He was a member of Gregory Drive Alliance Church for over 55 years, serving joyfully for many, many years until his health began to fail. He was a wonderful friend, neighbour, mentor and co-worker. He had a smile and a handshake for everyone he met.
Clayt began his employment journey with Martin's Ice Cream in his early 20's, followed by 15 years at Navistar, from which he retired. Keeping active and busy was important so he spent many years of his retirement as a school bus driver for Chatham Coachlines.
An avid Detroit Tigers fan, there was always a game on the radio or TV, and a lifetime of memories made at Tiger Stadium and later Comerica Park.
Clayt's greatest joy though, was his family, and nothing made him happier than being together. He had a heart of gold and leaves us with a legacy of character and faith.
Blessed to call him Dad were his three daughters and sons-in-law, Maureen and Eric Saunders, Ruth and Ray McFadden, and Hope and Ted Cunningham. The best "Gramps" to Nicole and Jason Laprise, Todd and Christa Saunders, Jeff and Danielle McFadden, Michelle and Tyler Dam, Pam and Dan Forbes, Kristen Cunningham and Garret MacGillivray and Lauren Cunningham and Sam Faris, Grandpa Clayt to Caleb, Marin, Jude, Selah, Willa, Oaklyn, Beckham, Hudson and Hattie. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his precious infant son Brent, his parents, his brothers Russell, John, and Carson Steele and his only sister Mary Jordan.
Clayt was first and foremost a faithful follower of Christ. He had a true servant's heart that was evident in everything he did. He was a member of Gregory Drive Alliance Church for over 55 years, serving joyfully for many, many years until his health began to fail. He was a wonderful friend, neighbour, mentor and co-worker. He had a smile and a handshake for everyone he met.
Clayt began his employment journey with Martin's Ice Cream in his early 20's, followed by 15 years at Navistar, from which he retired. Keeping active and busy was important so he spent many years of his retirement as a school bus driver for Chatham Coachlines.
An avid Detroit Tigers fan, there was always a game on the radio or TV, and a lifetime of memories made at Tiger Stadium and later Comerica Park.
Clayt's greatest joy though, was his family, and nothing made him happier than being together. He had a heart of gold and leaves us with a legacy of character and faith.