Frederick Curtis Steele

Frederick Curtis Steele, "Fred", of Sun City, AZ (formerly of Palmdale, CA) passed away Monday, October 16, 2017. Fred was born November 21, 1939 in Long Beach, CA, to the late Walter and Eunice (Graff) Steele. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17 and the U.S. Navy at 20. He was a Navy man through and through, serving in Vietnam and retiring from the Navy as a Machinist Mate, Master Chief. In the Navy, Fred received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam), the National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3552 and the American Legion Post 348, both in Palmdale, CA. He enjoyed reading, fishing, and spending time on his boat at Lake Isabella. Although his military service took him all over the world, Fred remained a California boy at heart and returned to CA after retiring from the Navy. Fred was married to Winnifred Etta for 45 loving years and his love for Winnie was evident in the care he provided during her illness the last three years of her life. Winnie passed in November 2016.

Survived by children: Karen Steele Thompson of Woodstock, GA, Cynthia Van Doren of West Hartford, CT, Cristi Sullivan of Harrisburg, NC, step-son James A. Sours of Winchester, VA; grandchildren: Katie, Mack, Sam, Brenna, David, Paul, Jack, Chastity; other family/friends: Janet Bander, Sandy Butler, Wayne "Skip" Steele, many nieces and nephews, and Navy friends Jerry, Smerud, and Bish. Fred was preceded in death by his wife Winnifred, parents Walter and Eunice Steele, brothers Bob and Ed, and sister Nancy. He was much loved by family and friends and will be missed by all.

Memorial donations may be made to The Fisher House (Assisting Military Families) or the Alzheimer's Association