Ryan Steele

Ryan Lee Steele, age 45, while surrounded by his loving family, passed peacefully to heaven on April 16, 2021 after a courageous two-month battle against Covid-19. Ryan is survived by his parents (Russell and Nadine Steele); wife (Kayleen (Gibson) Steele); children (Katelyn, Raegan, Marin, Jenna, Savannah, and Preston Steele); brother and sister-in-law (Jeremy and Megan Steele); parents in-law (Ralph and Bonnie Gibson); brother-in-law and sister-in-law (Keith and Sarah Gibson); brother-in-law (Kevin Gibson); grandfather (Wilbert Steele); his nieces and nephew (Macie, Maya, Gavin and Makenna Steele and Adelyn and Clara Gibson); and hundreds of people who called him "friend".

Ryan was born September 19, 1975 to Russell and Nadine Steele in Springfield, Ohio. His parents soon discovered what a smart and ornery boy they had been blessed to raise (he kept them on their toes, for sure). From a young age, Ryan showed interest in and a gift toward using and learning about technology (Ryan knew about the internet before most of the world had even heard the term). Ryan was a loving and devoted son.

He attended Northwestern High School and graduated in 1994 and then attended Mount Vernon Nazarene University where he studied youth ministry and business administration. While attending college he served as a youth pastor to Trinity Missionary Church in Springfield, Ohio.

It was in college where he met his wife, Kayleen (Gibson) Steele, better known to him as "Honey." The two lovebirds married on October 21, 2000 on a beautiful fall day in New Albany, Ohio. Over the course of the next eight years, Ryan and Kayleen welcomed their six amazing kids into their family. He fiercely loved his wife and children.

Although never receiving any formal academic training in the field, Ryan's natural giftedness in computers, technology, and network engineering catalyzed his career. Ryan began as a Network Engineer in college where he was part of the team that brought Mount Vernon Nazarene University online in the mid-1990s. While there, he also partnered with a friend to start and own his own Internet Service Provider called Axiom which was a successful business for several years until it was sold to a bigger company. Over the course of his career, Ryan has been a Network Engineer for several internet service providers, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Tween Brands, and (most recently) Columbus Regional Airport Authority. Those who had the privilege to work with Ryan appreciated his expertise, strong work-ethic, and friendly, helpful demeanor. Ryan was even blessed to receive several awards recognizing all of his best skills and attributes.

Ryan's favorite hobby was boating! Hundreds of people have enjoyed a boat ride or tube ride with Ryan as captain on his boat which he named "Fellowship," a fitting name for the spirit behind what brought him so much joy while out on the water.

The most important thing in Ryan's life was his relationship with Jesus! His devotion to the Lord was shown in many ways, but participating in ministry at his church remained a priority for Ryan throughout his entire life. Ryan served in many capacities in various churches and ministries throughout the years. He donated time and internet equipment to many churches in order to improve their technology services. Many churches have appreciated his help as a sound technician as well. When his children became old enough to be active in youth group, Ryan became a volunteer-leader where, for the past eight years, he actively served (right up until his recent illness); this ministry brought him an immense amount of joy and satisfaction. Another ministry that Ryan also believed in and helped out with (alongside Kayleen) was Marriage Matters, a ministry to equip couples with relationship skills and to help strengthen marriages. All of the relationships that Ryan formed while serving in all of these capacities meant a great deal to him.

Ryan led an outstanding life of love and integrity. He leaves behind a big gap for those who came to love, value, and depend upon him for the roles that he played in their lives. To say that he will be deeply missed is an understatement in the greatest sense of the word.

In celebration of Ryan's life, a viewing will be held on April 23, 2021 at New Life Church Gahanna, 3690 N Stygler Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230 from 4pm to 7pm, and the Funeral Service will be held on April 24, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in the same location. To view a livetream of Ryan's Funeral Service, please visit https://enewlife.online.church/. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the family at https://aware3.net/give/appeal/Db4E6EcKB?fbclid=IwAR1KSN2yLv18dvjH7NunBsP8yCc62l9CfLhSHCXqRd-K8zGVqDlsH4ooF7I. Masks and social distancing required. Arrangements have been entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST FUNERAL HOME.