Raymond E. Steele
Age 83, of Stow, left his ailing body behind and headed off to meet back up with his wife, Bonnie "Babik" Steele- after being apart since she passed away almost 5 years ago.
Born in Akron, Ohio, Raymond - born to Alma Messner and Clarence Steele - overcame a tough childhood that would put many who complain about theirs, to shame. He remained close with his siblings Vonna Johnson-McHenry (Don), Ceal Davisson (Neal) and Larry Messner (Ilene).
Raymond provided for his family as a truck driver for over 53 years, retiring from Consolidated Freight in 2000. He retired just in time to help at his daughter's coffeehouse in downtown Cuyahoga Falls. He delivered "Mom's Chicken Salad" sandwiches - at Bonnie's prodding to move a little faster - for 5 years. He helped sales, as people would order just to see him! After that, he took on a few different roles including watching his granddaughter, and delivering for Acme, before actually "retiring".
He was an expert gardener, who enjoyed sharing his tomatoes, green beans and potatoes with friends and family.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Bonnie "Babik" Steele, son Gerald Steele and his aunt who raised him from age 12, Clyda Bader.
He leaves behind his daughter who adored him and cared for him as much as he would allow, Kelly Steele-Moore, his son-in-law who he enjoyed bantering with (Ford vs. Dodge) Doug Moore and two granddaughters who could do no wrong in his eyes, Maddie and Shai Anne.
Additionally, he leaves daughter Kathy Steele Dias (Dennis), Granddaughter Kara Dias and her son James (fellow Cookie Monster), Son Kevin Steele, 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, several loving nieces and nephews, cousin Jack Bader and his special in-laws: Nancy Snyder, Marcia and Bob Johnston, Tom and Nancy Babik and Pam and Chuck Kish - all who always made him laugh.
A Memorial Open House will be held October 30th at The Sheraton Suites Hotel, 1989 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls from 6 - 8 p.m.
Burial will take place November 1st at Melscheimer Cemetery, East Sparta, Ohio at 10 am, officiated by Jerry Peyton, followed by a luncheon and Celebration of Life Service at Hartville Kitchen (RSVP requested for this event only, please at ksteelemoore@gmail.com)
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dorothy and Tom Babik Scholarship Fund c/o Canton Local Schools, 4526 Ridge Ave., SW, Canton, OH 44707 - in which Raymond and Bonnie are named and helped establish.
Kreighbaum-Sanders
330-484-2525
www.sandersfuneralhomes.com
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Age 83, of Stow, left his ailing body behind and headed off to meet back up with his wife, Bonnie "Babik" Steele- after being apart since she passed away almost 5 years ago.
Born in Akron, Ohio, Raymond - born to Alma Messner and Clarence Steele - overcame a tough childhood that would put many who complain about theirs, to shame. He remained close with his siblings Vonna Johnson-McHenry (Don), Ceal Davisson (Neal) and Larry Messner (Ilene).
Raymond provided for his family as a truck driver for over 53 years, retiring from Consolidated Freight in 2000. He retired just in time to help at his daughter's coffeehouse in downtown Cuyahoga Falls. He delivered "Mom's Chicken Salad" sandwiches - at Bonnie's prodding to move a little faster - for 5 years. He helped sales, as people would order just to see him! After that, he took on a few different roles including watching his granddaughter, and delivering for Acme, before actually "retiring".
He was an expert gardener, who enjoyed sharing his tomatoes, green beans and potatoes with friends and family.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Bonnie "Babik" Steele, son Gerald Steele and his aunt who raised him from age 12, Clyda Bader.
He leaves behind his daughter who adored him and cared for him as much as he would allow, Kelly Steele-Moore, his son-in-law who he enjoyed bantering with (Ford vs. Dodge) Doug Moore and two granddaughters who could do no wrong in his eyes, Maddie and Shai Anne.
Additionally, he leaves daughter Kathy Steele Dias (Dennis), Granddaughter Kara Dias and her son James (fellow Cookie Monster), Son Kevin Steele, 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, several loving nieces and nephews, cousin Jack Bader and his special in-laws: Nancy Snyder, Marcia and Bob Johnston, Tom and Nancy Babik and Pam and Chuck Kish - all who always made him laugh.
A Memorial Open House will be held October 30th at The Sheraton Suites Hotel, 1989 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls from 6 - 8 p.m.
Burial will take place November 1st at Melscheimer Cemetery, East Sparta, Ohio at 10 am, officiated by Jerry Peyton, followed by a luncheon and Celebration of Life Service at Hartville Kitchen (RSVP requested for this event only, please at ksteelemoore@gmail.com)
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dorothy and Tom Babik Scholarship Fund c/o Canton Local Schools, 4526 Ridge Ave., SW, Canton, OH 44707 - in which Raymond and Bonnie are named and helped establish.
Kreighbaum-Sanders
330-484-2525
www.sandersfuneralhomes.com