William Lowell Steele

William Lowell Steele, son of Franklin and Sarah (Gholson) Steele, was born on January 3, 1927 on a farm east of Carl in Adams County. Lowell entered eternal rest on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at the Corning Nursing Rehab Center in Corning, Iowa at the age of eighty-five years, two months and seventeen days.
At a young age, Lowell enjoyed farming and at the age of fourteen, received his special chauffers license to drive the familys truck after his father broke his hip. It was during this time that Lowell developed his love for the open road.
On September 5, 1950, Lowell was drafted and proudly served his country in the Army during the Korean War. He was Honorably Discharged on February 28, 1951. After his discharge, Lowell returned to trucking. In his spare time, he built and drove stock cars. Whenever he raced, you were sure of “live” entertainment.
During the early fifties, Lowell met and later married the love of his life, Marilyn Joyce Hight. They were blessed with six children: Joyce Elaine, Joan Ellen, Steven Frank, Jill Ann, Jean Marie and Jennifer Lynn. Lowell spent years farming and trucking, traveling from coast to coast. Marilyn often said that “he turned the entire family into truck gypsies”. In 1983, the family returned to Adams County where they purchased a home in Corning.
Lowell was a Teamster Union Member in the 1960s.
Left to cherish Lowells memories are his children: Joyce (Milton) Lawry of Osceola, IA, Joan Rains of Massena, IA, Steven Steele of Massena, IA, Jill Steele – Moralez of Lenox, IA, Jean (Greg) Passley of Cassville, MO, Jennifer (Brian) Krauth of Corning, IA; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Harlana Hight of California and Kathy Hight of Farmington, MO and an abundance of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and a lot of strays.
Lowell was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marilyn in 2009; grandson, Jeremy Rains; brother, Lloyd Steele; sister, Birdie Steele at birth; brothers-in-law: Bruce Hight, Doug Hight and Charles (Radine) Lawrence.