Charles Melvin Steele

Charles Melvin "Mel" Steele, 87, of Franklin, died Friday, February 13, 2009, at Kensington Place. He was born in Middletown, on April 12, 1921 to parents Armor "AJ" and Bertha (Stahley) Steele.

Mel was the head of the Carpenter/Tin Shop at Armco and retired in 1982 after 44 years of service. He was a lifetime member of the American Bowling Congress, bowling in leagues and tournaments for over 50 years. He started his bowling career with his father and four brothers as a family team in Middletown. While in his teens he worked at the YMCA bowling lanes as a pin setter, which peeked his interest in the sport. Mel loved to go mushroom hunting in the spring, raising his tomatoes, working in the yard and fishing in the summer, and bowling and spending the winters in Florida with friends.

Mr. Steele is survived by his two daughters Rita (Tim) Gough and Barbara (Paul) Robbins, both of Middletown, eight grandchildren; Beth Ann (Curt) Hurst, Michael (Patty) Gough, Kathleen (Rick) Abbott, Kevin (Lori) Gough, Christopher (Connie Russell) Gough, Melissa (Cliff) Schaney, Tanya (Keith) Snelling and Shelly Beatty; twelve great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert "Bob" Steele; sister in laws, Dorothy Steele and Helen Balaz; and many loving nieces, nephews and special friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Catherine "Kay" (Balaz) Steele in 2002; his parents, an infant son, brothers, Clarence and Kenneth Steele; brothers and sisters in law Mary Ann Steele, Kaye Steele, Carl and Mary Craft, Steve and Annie Cmehil, Josephine and Clifford Keuthan, Tony and Betty Krizan and John Balaz.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the nursing staff at Kensington Place and the Hospice Staff for their kindness to Charles during his stay there. He will be sadly missed by his family, many friends and neighbors.

A Prayer Service will be held Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd, Middletown with Father John Civille officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Funeral Home:
Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding
3805 Roosevelt Blvd.
Middletown, OH
US 45044