David O. Steele

David was born on May 19, 1945, in Jackson, Michigan, and raised by devoted parents Samuel Orion Steele and Lydia (Bessinger) Steele. He will be remembered for his deep love of family, his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, his affection for animals, his lifelong love of boats, and just about anything involving the water. He was also an unwavering fan of the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Ohio State Buckeyes—a loyalty made all the more remarkable by the fact that he was born in Michigan.

David spent much of his childhood in Au Gres, Michigan, where he enjoyed life along Lake Huron and worked at the Bessinger family pickle farm. The time he spent there, and the memories he made with his family, remained deeply meaningful to him throughout his life.

In accordance with his wishes, David will return to Au Gres to be laid to rest alongside his parents and members of the Bessinger family at Sims-Whitney Cemetery, not far from the lake that held so many special memories for him. A burial service will be held at a later date.

David is survived by his children, David Steele II (Denise), James Scott Steele (Danielle), Samantha Steele, Aimee Shade, and Jason Shade (Colleen); his grandchildren, Nicholas Steele, Timothy Steele, Alexandria (Steele) Zills, Hannah Steele, Maddy Jansons-Steele, Andrew Herron, Dawson Shade, Julianna Herron, Devan Shade, and Deaton Shade; and his great-grandchild, Everest Zills. He is also survived by Mary Ellen (Hanawalt) Denney, first wife and the mother of David, James (Scott), and Samantha.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Orion Steele and Lydia (Bessinger) Steele, and his wives, Karen (Johnson) Steele and Deborah (McCarty) Steele.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in David's memory to SPCA Tampa Bay, an organization dedicated to helping animals in need:

SPCA Tampa Bay

9099 130th Avenue N

Largo, FL 33773

(727) 586-3591

David O. will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known him. His humor, his love of family, his appreciation for the water, and his unmistakable spirit will live on in the memories of those he leaves behind.