Tributes

Rev. John Thomas Steele, went to be with the Lord at 11:11pm on November 15, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born July 21, 1930, as an only child to Thomas Dale and Lydia V. Steele. He spent his first years living on the Steele family farm of Davis Ridge, near Farmington, WV. He then moved to Fairmont, WV where he graduated from East Fairmont High School He graduated from Fairmont State College with a Bachelors Degree and a member of TBI Fraternity, and also received his Masters degree from WVU. He married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Faye Marks on May 25, 1952 and enjoyed 68 years with her, until God took her home on October 25, 2020. He began his teaching and coaching career in Virginia. His high school basketball team was undefeated while he was there. His next career position was a Boy Scout Executive. He then moved to Ohio and took a position in the public health field. Then God’s ultimate plan led him to the ministry. He accepted a position at Mannington First Baptist church and served 5 years. God then called him to accept a position at Moundville Baptist Church, where he served for 48 years and then Emeritus. Rev. Steele has preached in 100 churches in the tri-state area, conducting 1100 weddings and 1100 funerals. He served as a volunteer in the WV Penitentiary for 30 years, preaching sermons, and leading bible studies. He attended 42 Veterans services and received an Honorary Honor Guard Award. He served over 40 years on the Board of Directors of Reynolds Memorial Hospital and achieved Emeritus status. He served on the BM Spurr School of Nursing Advisory Board for 25 years. He wrote the column “Manna from the Mountain” in the Journal Section of the Wheeling Intelligencer for 30 years. He led his church in the annual TV Christmas Eve Service for 30 years on WTRF TV, having begun with the Chancel Choir of the Church in their annual Patriotic Concert for over 30 years, attracting hundreds in attendance. He served as President of WV Baptist Ministers Council, and also on the Executive Board of WV Baptist Convention. He served 2 terms on the Minister’s Advisory Council of Alderson Broaddus College. On 2 occasions, he served as President of Moundsville Ministerial Assoc. He served several years on the Bayer-PPG Citizens Advisory Council. Rev. Steele has been active in the life of Moundville and Marshall County for close to half a century. Survivors include his four children, Thomas Allen “Terry” (Soozie) Steele of Glen Dale, WV, Linda (Robert) Bonnette, Pattie (Ted) Kimpel, and Suzie (Chuck) Denham, all of Moundville; seven grandchildren, Jordan (Brittany) Steele, Tyler Steele, Kelsey (Nate) Folda, Laci Bonnette, Cassie (Devin) Paugh, Brock Kimpel, and Maggie Denham; ten great-grandchildren. Family will receive friends on Monday from 2-4 & 6-8pm at Moundsville Baptist Church, 1911 Fourth Street, Moundsville where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11am with Pastor Tony Romano, Rev. Burl Jernigan, and Rev. Ron Price officiating. Private Interment in Pisgah Methodist Church Cemetery, Morgantown, WV. Memorial contributions may be made to Moundsville Baptist Church. Arrangements entrusted to Grisell Funeral Home, & Crematory, Moundsville.

Tributes

Rev. John Thomas Steele

July 21, 1930 - November 15, 2023