More detail on this person: Bobby Doyle Steele, 83, passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2017, while surrounded by his loving family. . Graveside Service: 9 a.m. Sunday, June 25, 2017, in Eola Cemetery, Eola, Texas. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home in Colleyville, Texas. Bob was born June 2, 1934, in Caretta, W.Va. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was assigned to the 1st Marine Division. He received an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps after having served in the Korean War. After a short time, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he was a welding specialist. He was able to pursue his love for flying light aircraft through military "aero clubs". From his first FAA certification as a private pilot, he quickly obtained more advanced training to become an FAA certified commercial pilot, instrument instructor and ground school instructor. In 1963 the U.S. Army offered Bob a direct appointment as a warrant officer where he was trained to fly helicopters. After his flight training in Mineral Wells, Texas, and Fort Rucker, Ala., he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky. In June, 1965 he, along with the entire 101st Airborne Division, was deployed to Vietnam. While serving there he was awarded four Air Medals for Valor, submitted for a Bronze Star for a ground action and was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross. After returning from Vietnam, his love for flying led him to apply to and be hired by American Airlines as a pilot. He retired after 28 years with American Airlines as a Boeing 767 captain. Bob was preceded in passing by his wife of 45 years, Tharon "Tommye" Steele; parents, Clarance and Vicie Steele; sisters, Billie Gordon and Nancy Salis Survivors: Bob leaves behind children, Jim Steele and wife, Pat, Shirley Stephenson and husband, James, and Jackie Steele; grandchildren, Lisa Worthington, Bobby Steele, Anthony Steele and Raven Steele; great-grandchildren, Chance, Carter, Ryan, Ava, Makenzie, Grace and Christopher; beloved and constant companion of 11 years, Mary Warren; as well as his "favorite child" Shih Tzu, Princess Jasmine. Published in Star-Telegram on June 18, 2017
Burial information: Eola Cemetery
This information was last updated 06/20/2017
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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