Jimmie M Steele's Obituary
Jimmie Murray Steele, 82, departed this life on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, in Longview, Texas. Jimmie was born on March 28, 1931, in Winona City, Minnesota, to James M. and Mary Bonnie Raymond Kiedrowicz. He was reared by Bonnie and Jimmy Steele in San Diego and in Riverside, California, before enlisting at age 18 in the U.S. Navy on Dec. 6, 1949. From beginning his service career as a submarine sonar technician, Jimmie rose through the ranks to eventually serve as Chief Petty Officer on the USS Sterlet, USS Blackfin, and USS Trigger. Being a Chief Petty Officer meant being a substitute father and caretaker to the entire crew, a position of leadership carrying with it a high degree of responsibility. The CPO Creed says, in part, “You have joined an exclusive fellowship and, as in all fellowships, you have a special responsibility to your comrades, even as they have a special responsibility to you. This is why we in the United States Navy may maintain with pride our feelings of accomplishment oncewe have attained the position of Chief Petty Officer.” Jimmie served his country proudly for almost three decades, with much of that time spent at sea on submarines. Following retirement from active duty, Jimmie and his wife, Joan, who were married on April 23, 1979 moved from Mansfield, TX, to Florida, where they lived for a number of years. When they returned to Texas, they settled in Longview to be near family. During his long tours of duty at sea, Jimmie learned how to play poker and other card games, something he did with great skill. He also was a serious bowler who rolled a perfect 300 game as well as a golfer and a resolute fisherman, both saltwater and lake. When it came to sports, baseball and college football were Jimmie’s favorites, and he would spend hours enjoying games. He was an avid reader and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. He also was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and spent many afternoons at the VFW Hall, playing cards and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow retired servicemen. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan Troyanos Steele, and his son, Jimmy Steele II. Jimmie is survived by his children, Susan and Joseph Cayo of Cassville Wis.; Wade and Sandy Steele of Del City Okla.; Eddie and Deeanna Steele of Virginia Beach, Va.; Jimmie Jr. and LaNell Steele of Arlington; Kathye Haston of Grand Prairie; Gayle Cearley of Weatherford; and adopted daughter, Terri Thomas of Weatherford. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. Additionally, Jimmie is survived by and remembered with love by his stepchildren, Xenia and Harvey Durham of Longview; Paula and Kris Tilker of Wichita Falls; Claudia and Constantine Bouras of Rowlett; Lydia and Nick Paraskevas of Dallas; Tom and Carol Zolnerowich of Mesquite; Greg and Brandys Zolnerowich of Manhattan, Kan.; and Stephen and Samia Zolnerowich of Olney, Md. Other survivors include 15 step-grandchildren; five step-great grandchildren, and one step-great-great grandchild. Family visitation will be at noon on Friday, April 26, 2013 at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas. Graveside services and burial will follow in Restland Memorial Park at 1 PM. Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or to a local VFW. Jimmie was a good man who was well loved and who will be missed. May his memory be eternal.
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