Donald Gene Jake"" Steely

Donald Gene ""Jake"" Steely of Fort Collins died on February 27, 2011 at Poudre Valley Hospital. He was born on March 9, 1948 in Fort Collins, CO, at PVH to William and Alice (Bechtholdt) Steely. In 1966, Jake graduated from Poudre High School, where he excelled in football. He lived in Fort Collins his entire life. Jake met the love of his life, Melissa Mason, in 1986. They were married in 1988 and reunited in 2003. He worked at Connell Resources as a construction truck driver and had previously worked for Steely Trucking and Viney Trucking. He played bass guitar and back-up vocals for Storm, Correctional Institution, and The Lord and the Flies. He loved to watch NASCAR and football. He was a good bowler, loved to go fishing, loved scratching his lottery tickets, and enjoyed long drives with his wife and the puppies, Daisy and Jazmyne.He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Melissa; sons, Rhett (Sharmange) Steely, Dr. William (Merideth) Steely, Shawn (Maggie) Steely, and Seth (Tonya) Steely; his three siblings, Ronald (Lois) Steely, Alice (Chuck) Glanz, and Michael (Cindy) Steely; his 17 amazing grandchildren; and several special nieces and nephews. In the end, God guided Brandy ""Murphy"", Jake's special niece, to help her uncle with finding peace with his savior. She helped to keep him comfortable and calm. Jake's special niece, Mariah ""Fred"", helped with his care as well. Visitation will be held 5-8 pm Thursday at Resthaven Funeral Home. Funeral service 11:00 a.m. Friday at Resthaven Funeral Home. Interment Resthaven Memory Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Resthaven Funeral Home, 8426 S Hwy 287, Fort Collins, CO 80525.