Edward "Jeff" Steel

A stream can have no ending, for the ocean never ends. A path winds on, through we can’t always see around its bends. Our view must stop where earth meets sky, but both stretch on and on. We cannot see our loved ones, still, we know they are not gone. For God has promised us a home through all eternity where life and love continue far beyond what we can see.

Jeff, born in Puerto Rico on August 3, 1951, was the son of Edward David Steel, who passed very early in Jeff’s life, and Audrey Aileen Sagers who passed away in 2022 at 101 years old. Jeffrey was the loving husband of Betty Lou Steel with whom he enjoyed 24 years of marriage and the caring father of Kyle Andrew Carper and Katelyn Alexis Steel. Jeff’s spirit is carried on in his surviving siblings, Ginger Smietana, Paul Steel, and Jann Johnson. Jeff was also a world-class pet parent providing the best life possible for Sadsack, Butterfly, C.C., and Clifford who predeceased him, leaving behind his beloved Sasha and Ricky.

Jeff spent his younger years as an outdoors enthusiast curious about the world, earning him the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank achievable in the Boy Scouts. In 1977 he graduated with a degree in Geography from the University of South Florida. Jeff’s zeal for adventure led to countless endeavors including spending 7 years living on a sailboat, climbing Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador, serving 2 years in the Peace Corps bringing water to rural villages in Ecuador, hunting, fishing and even wrestling an alligator in a Bennigan's parking lot. Jeff was a boat captain and earned his pilot's license. When it came to storytelling, Jeff could effortlessly captivate a room. Jeff was a man who loved to share his passion for adventure and the outdoors with everyone he cared for. In his later life, Jeff grew to love Archery where he became an NFAA Sectional Champion in the Bow Hunter Freestyle class and holds the record for his division in the Southeast Region of the NFAA. Jeff, the son of a meteorologist, had a lifelong curiosity for the weather which he shared with his family across the country in his daily updates of what type of precipitation they’d be in for that day. 

Jeff dedicated 20 years of service to the Miami Springs Police Department from 1990 to 2010. He retired as an accomplished detective earning many commendations and awards including Officer of the Year. Jeff was a diligent public servant who truly cared about his community and his colleagues. A proud member of the Miami Springs Police Department Color Guard and staple of the annual River Cities Festival, Jeff built lifelong friendships with his community and fellow officers. While in service at Miami Springs Police Dept as a detective, Jeff participated in multiple federal task forces and received numerous commendations for his contributions.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 4 pm - 6 pm on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 at Fred Hunter’s Funeral Home, Cemeteries, and Crematory 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, FL 33024- (954) 989-1550.

Jeff and Betty celebrated their wedding and various anniversaries with Luaus and invite family and friends to come in casual attire to celebrate Jeff's life. A luau-themed reception will follow the Memorial Service at Fred Hunter's community center.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Accent Hospice Care and the nurses who provided continuous care for his last 7 days.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Police Officers Assistance Trust