Darrel D Steele

STEELE, Darrel DeWayne of Bellbrook, Ohio passed away in the morning hours of September 14, 2012 with his wife of 58 years and family by his bedside. Darrel had been battling cancer for over a year. Darrel was born on October 5, 1934 in Middlebury, Indiana to Alvin Steele and Helen Powell Steele. Darrel was the second of four children; his siblings Donna, David, and Delores are all still living. Darrel was preceded in death by his parents. Darrel studied at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. He held various occupations during his early adult life; from truck driving to working for the Trunk Line Gas Company, Darrel seemed to do it all. From 1956-1958, Darrel served honorably in the United States Navy. A significant portion of Darrel's life was dedicated to the grocery business. He first entered the field in 1965 working for The Kroger Co, Marsh Supermarkets and Supervalu Inc. In 1982, Darrel became the owner of his first supermarket: "Darrel's Supervalu" in New Lebanon, Ohio. Darrel owned and operated this store for fifteen years; in 1988, he became the owner of "Darrel's Save-A-Lot" in Franklin, Ohio. Darrel remained in the grocery business until his retirement in 2007. Darrel never failed to serve his community with dignity and pride. During his lengthy career in the grocery business, Darrel had a myriad of honors bestowed upon him. He received numerous community awards in both New Lebanon and Franklin. Upon his departure from New Lebanon, the local newspaper remarked that "it is nice when a community can pay tribute in person to someone so deserving as Darrel. His leaving the village creates a noticeable void." Darrel was also honored on a statewide basis. Throughout his career, Darrel served as a member of the Ohio State Supermarket Management Committee, the Ohio Grocers Association, and Junior Achievement. On September 11, 2007, Darrel was inducted into the Ohio Grocers Hall of Fame in recognition of his leadership accomplishments and his involvement in the communities. Darrel was not only defined by his work ethic, but by his wide array of passions as well. He and his wife loved to travel, visiting states and countries all over the world. Darrel was an avid golfer and thoroughly enjoyed any day that included an 18 hole journey through the golf course. One of Darrel's greatest passions, however, was his love for the Green Bay Packers. Nevertheless, the legacy that Darrel leaves behind is that of a dedicated family man, one whose love for his children never wavered. Darrel is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janette Swihart Steele. Together, they were the proud parents of five children. Darrel is survived by his four sons and their spouses: Gregory and Lynn Steele (Knoxville TN), Scott and Sharon Steele (Seneca, KS), Brad and Hope Steele (Yorktown, IN), and Grant Steele (Kettering, OH). He is also survived by his only daughter and her husband, Laura and Paul Curry (Cincinnati, OH). Darrel is also survived by his eleven grandchildren and their spouses: Jerrod Steele, Jeremiah Steele, and Courtney and Caleb Cassel; Corrine and Justin Reifenrath, Ashley and Clayton Ross, and Riley Darrel Steele; Austin and Sarah Steele, and Bradley Steele; Carson Curry and Peyton Curry; and Hannah Steele. Darrel was also the proud great-grandfather of four great-grandchildren. He was a husband, a father, a brother, a grandfather, and a great-grandfather. Most importantly, however, Darrel was everything anyone could ever ask for: a loyal, humble, witty, and wonderful man. A Celebration of Life service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, September 29, 2012 at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-Far Hills Chapel. Family will receive friends after 11:00 AM until time of service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the American Lung Cancer Society: www.lung.org/donate or mail to: American Lung Association National Headquarters

1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 800. Washington, DC 20004. Condolences can be expressed to the family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com