John Thomas Steele

John Thomas Steele, 91, of Bloomington, passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2023. Born September 11, 1931 in Bloomington, Indiana, he was the son of John Washington and Audrey Mae (Lehman) Steele. John was a 1949 graduate of Oolitic High School. After high school he joined the US Army and proudly served his country for 20 years going from Private to Major via Officer Candidate School, graduating with a BA from the University of Maryland. While serving in the Army John met the love of his life, Renee Andree Probst, while stationed in France. They wed on February 19, 1955 in Rochefort, France, and were happily married for 68 years. John’s military service took him to France twice, the Philippines, and Vietnam as well as Ft Greely AK, Ft Huachuca AZ, Chicago IL, and Ft Monroe VA. He earned a Purple Heart while in Vietnam for shrapnel resulting from, as he would put it, “Running too damn slowly!” After John’s service he and the family returned to Bloomington where he worked as a purchaser, negotiating prices for everything from nuts and bolts to large pieces of equipment for the General Electric plant in Bloomington for 20 years before retiring. Known for his love of animals, especially cats, John created a backyard haven for birds, maintained a lovely koi pond, grew admirable tomato and summer crops, and found personal ways to respect and protect the environment. He worked to instill his values along with a strong sense of responsibility in his children. John was a member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Military Officers Association of America, American Legion Post 18 for over 50 years, and was a Mason. He enjoyed a good book, woodworking, fishing, a round of golf, and a dry martini. An innovative mind, he liked making miscellaneous items, was known as a very good handyman, and enjoyed owning unusual gadgets, devices and vehicles. This included a Velosolex, a French motorbike, which he loved to drive. The Velosolex outlasted the Corvette, which Renee emphatically regarded as a big mistake. He loved his wife and family very much, as they were the center of his life. He will be greatly missed. John is survived by his wife, Renee Steele; three children, Brenda (Roger) Clayton of Bloomington; John A. (Karen Lynch) Steele of Bloomington; Robert (Michelle Hammer) Steele of Bloomington; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren; a great-great grandchild; a brother, David (Bonnie) Steele of Bloomington; two nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Audrey Steele; a daughter, Renee Steele; and a granddaughter, Krissy Steele. A memorial service will be held at 12:00pm Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the Allen Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 10:00am until service time at funeral home. Private burial of cremains will follow at Owensburg Cemetery in Greene County. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Southern Care Hospice. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com.

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John Thomas Steele

September 11, 1931 - February 21, 2023