Larry D. Steele, 84 years, of Britton, Michigan, a man of strong Christian faith, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at Hospice of Lenawee.
Born September 11, 1940 in North Baltimore, Ohio, Larry was the son of the late John D. and Lexie (Kazee) Steele.
Larry served his country honorable and proudly in the United States Air Force. He served from June 15, 1959 until being discharged on December 2, 1963, spending most of his time in service in Goose Bay, Labrador.
After his discharge Larry attended Monroe County Community College where he received an associates degree. He went on to receive his bachelors degree from Mercy College and his Masters Degree in Art History from Eastern Michigan University.
On November 5, 1988 Larry married his beloved wife, the former Colleen Harrington, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Newport, Michigan. Fr. Russell Kohler was the celebrant.
Larry was an extremely talented artist and taught Art at Monroe Catholic Central High School and for Gibraltar Carlson Public Schools, from which he retired. While at MCC, Larry coached freshman, and J.V. football as well as J.V. basketball. While at Gibraltar Carlson, he was the head coach of the boys varsity basketball team. While on a millage hiatus from Carlson, Larry also worked as a DNR Park Ranger for Sterling State Park to help support his family.
After retirement, Larry, along with Colleen, began farming, and raised cattle, chickens and even had two Donkeys. His artistry, along with restoring an antique Chevy truck continued throughout his retirement. Most of all Larry enjoyed time spent with family, especially his grandchildren, where he frequently attended their sporting events.
Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Colleen; six loving children: John (Rita) Steele, Larry (Dia) Steele, Robert Steele, Ellie (Jan) Holtz, Kevin (Julie) Reisig, and Josh Reisig; nine cherished grandchildren: Katie (Paul), Sarah, Daniel, Joseph, John, Chase, Kody, Samantha, and Elizabeth; eight treasured great grandchildren and his brother, David (Cheryl) Steele.
In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his daughter, Debbie Phillips, grandson Jeremy Holtz, two sisters: Marcia and Susan, and infant brother Danny.
In keeping with Larry's wishes cremation has been held.
On January 11, 2025 a memorial gathering and celebration of Larry's life will be held from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at The Quarry, 15625 Hull Rd. Monroe, MI, 48161, with VFW Post 1138 performing a military service at 1 p.m.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Wounded Warrior Project or Hospice of Lenawee.
Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, Michigan is assisting Larry's family with funeral arrangements.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .