Robert Lowen Steele, 62, of Independence, MO passed away Tuesday March 31, 2015 at Centerpoint Hospital after a brief illness.

Robert was born November 4th, 1952 at Scott AFB in Belleville, Illinois to Ray and Mildred Steele. He lived in multiple military establishments throughout his childhood until he finally landed in Liberty, MO where he graduated in 1972. He married Barbara Ann Johnson October 13, 1973 in Sioux City, IA. In July 1974 he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Air Force.  After basic training and tech school, Robert was stationed at K.I. Sawyer AFB in Marquette, MI until July 1980. Robert worked for Iowa Beef Processing in Dakota City, NE after he got out of the service. In 1984 moved to Independence, MO; worked for Hawthorne Place Apartments as maintenance supervisor, then became a truck driver for Nationwide Papers until they closed their doors, since then he worked for Lake City Ammunition Plant until his death. He enjoyed playing pool; bowling; darts; motorcycles; snowmobile and grilling. He was known as a ‘jack of all trades’. He also enjoyed being with family and friends. Robert was a member of the American Legion Post 21 here in Independence.

He is survived by his wife Barbara of 41 years; their two sons Jim Steele and wife Brandi of Independence, MO; Danny Steele and wife Amber of Excelsior Springs, MO; 4 grandchildren – Sadie, Nikolas (Nik) and Bradley (Brad) of Independence and Jacob of Excelsior Springs. His sister Deborah and husband Ted Grier of Independence, MO; brother David Steele and wife Kelsi of King City, MO. Sisters-in-law Betty Dieter of Omaha, NE; Bobbie Myers of Sioux City, IA, many nieces and nephews. Extended family Jackie and Greg Baldock of Sioux City, IA; Ron and Kathy Barnes of Hawarden, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Mildred Steele of Independence, MO and brother-in-law Vernon Johnson of Omaha, NE. Robert is loved and will be missed by many.