Christopher Alan Steele

Chris was born on March 21, 1962, in Omaha, Nebraska to George and Ruby Steele. He graduated from Belleville Township High School East in Belleville, Illinois and attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale where he graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Technologies. Upon graduation, Chris was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a Gulf War veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm. 

Chris was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, which is presented to a member of the Armed Forces who distinguishes himself by outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement or service to the United States. This award is equivalent to the Bronze Star for combat achievement or service. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after serving twenty years in the Marine Corps.

Having earned the degree of Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Chris continued to achieve career success in the private sector. He worked for Boeing, Parker Hannifin, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, Flatirons Solutions, and Boeing again for the last seven years. At Boeing, he was a Level 4 Systems Engineer (Level 4 is considered a Senior/Experienced role). He was a Boeing Designated Expert (BDE) in the area of Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) for Product Development projects (like the 737 MAX). In his BDE capacity, he consulted on strategy specific to ICA. He often interfaced with the FAA on behalf of Boeing to certify planes for service.   

Chris enjoyed boating, and he was an avid fisherman. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and it was always a treat to eat the delicious barbecue he grilled.

He is survived by his wife, Kay (Lindsey) Steele; son, Miles; daughter, Lindsey; mother, Ruby Steele; brother, George L. (Callie) Steele; two sisters, Sonya Steele, and Joyce (Ernest) Morris; five nephews, four nieces, and many extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his father, George W. Steele. 

Memorial donations in memory of Chris may be made to the American Cancer Society.