Larry Steeley

Larry William Steeley, born January 5, 1939 to Howard and Elizabeth (Hankins) Steeley near Everton, Missouri.

Larry spent the first seventeen years of his life in Everton. He started in the first grade at age 5 and was quickly promoted to the second grade. He enjoyed school, his friends and sports.

Larry was baptized at a young age and always felt the need to attend church regularly. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Ash Grove at his passing. He said the week would not go right unless you went to church first.

At 17, Larry joined the U.S. Air Force. He was in school for the first year in service, then sent to Hawaii for three years as a cryptographer. It was his privilege while there to be part of the choosing of the unknown soldier for the Pacific Fleet to be placed at Arlington Cemetery in Washington D.C. 

Upon returning home, he went to work at the Bank of Ash Grove. He worked his way up from teller to head of operations under Attorney John Hulston. Larry worked and was affiliated with the bank for 54 years. An oddity, on April 4, 2004 he had been at the bank for 44 years. Which made it 4-4-4-44. 

Larry loved weaving and mowing the grass. He kept an immaculate yard. You couldn’t just mow it; you had to do it right. Many people are now sharing his love of weaving with a rug under foot. He was also a great fan of the St. Louis Cardinals going to many of the games. He joked about sitting behind Stan Musial at a playoffs game. “Stan was on the front row and we were at the top.“ He was still excited to be there. Larry also had a great love of music, especially loved the 40s. 

Most of all, he loved his boys, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had lots of stories to tell of  the boys growing up then the little ones as they came along. Of course, he added some of his quick wit with the stories. 

Larry was preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth, father Howard, his brother Sanford, and grandparents Hade and Clara Steeley. He also lost two stepmothers, Martha Steeley and Anna Steeley who were a great influence in his life. 

He is lovingly survived by his wife of 53 years, Ellie; four sons: Keith Patton (Caren), David Steeley (Joan), Mark Steeley and Bryan Patton (Nikie); eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings: Ann Glenn (Jerry), Dwight Steeley (Jeanie), John Rummel (Peggy), and sister-in-law, Marie Roderick (Wayne). 

He made the world a brighter place for many. He was an inspiration to all through his many physical trials. He would want to thank the church members for all of their support to him.

The family will be hosting a memorial service at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Ash Grove Christian Church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church.