Cover photo for William M. Steele's Obituary
William M. Steele Profile Photo
1931 William 2022

William M. Steele

October 26, 1931 — December 12, 2022

 

William Matthes Steele was born October 26, 1931, and died December 12, 2022. He was raised in Idaho by a tight-fisted father and a loving, warm mother. We figure someone did something right (most likely his mother) because William grew up to be a man who loved unconditionally, forgave easily, and loved heartily.

Bill, as he was known to most everyone, became a pilot for Continental Airlines and traveled the world where he learned countless shortcuts to almost everywhere. The straight road was never taken because that left turn meant he could most likely miss a few stop signs or at least a school zone. An avid golfer, he let his children and grandchildren drive the carts and drink unlimited amounts of soda. He single-handedly supported the supply chain for Dr. Pepper in the state of Texas for the last half of the previous century until his healthcare providers begged him to stop.

He was a handsome, tall man and Bill found lasting love with Anne Steele in 1978. Bill’s children from his first marriage, George Steele, Robert Steele, and Lisa Leeser were in attendance along with Anne’s children Daphne Lowe and Jane Steele. Their marriage was full of fine friends, fabulous dinners, and amazing adventures for 44 years. He leaves us with 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He also dearly loved his ex-son-in-law Oscar Leeser and his other son-in-law Michael Heitz was also sometimes liked.

Bill loved football, favoring the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks. He read the paper every morning in bed and watched the news every night. If he couldn’t watch PBS’s News Hour it was a bad day. But no one ever knew when Bill had bad days. He rarely, if ever complained, instead adopting trademark phrases like, “The alternative is much worse” or “Well there you go” which many of his family found frustrating, but indeed he was frustratingly always right. If advice from Bill was given, 98% of the time it was correct.

William Steele walked tall, golfed fairly, and cared immensely. He cared about children, the environment, his family, the democratic party, his car, his beloved Kindle (thanks Amazon), growing and eating fresh tomatoes and most importantly, fairness. That simple concept was really how he lived his life to the fullest. If someone failed or disappointed him, he didn’t berate them or belittle them.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, December 22 at Sunset Funeral Homes West. 480 North Resler, El Paso, TX.

Those who cannot attend in person may join the funeral and memorial services virtually on Facebook Live at  https://www.facebook.com/sunsetfuneralhome/

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in his honor to PBS El Paso…and Bill would like to ask PBS to stop the damned pledge drives, please.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Celebration of Life

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Starts at 11:00 am (Mountain time)

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Graveside Service

Friday, December 23, 2022

Starts at 10:30 am (Mountain time)

Fort Bliss National Cemetery

5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX 79906

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