Charles Steele

Charles B. “Beekeeper” Steele, 72, of Bridgeport, Texas passed away Saturday, April 13, 2013 in Decatur, Texas. Funeral services were held at 7:00 PM Tuesday, April 16, 2013 in the Chapel at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Brother Tom Merritt officiated. Visitation was held from 7:30 - 9:00 PM immediately following the funeral service. Charles was born March 16, 1941 in Azle, Texas to Mary (Davis) and Charlie Steele. He was a member of the Crafton Baptist Church. Charles served his country in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1961 – 1966 and was a member of the NRA. Charles was raised until age 14 as an only child and was so happy to get a “little brother.” Until then, he and his grandfather Steele were constant companions. His parents had a dairy, so he and “Granddad” spent lots of time together fishing and hunting on Silver Creek. He loved to take his Boy Scout camping supplies (even though he was never a Boy Scout) to set up his camp and spend the night with his dogs. He later learned that his Dad would sneak in late at night to check on him. His grandfather told him many stories about his great-grandfather and how the family came to settle in Azle. Charles never forgot any of them, and he had started to record the stories at the request of his brother and children. He loved beekeeping and was known as “The Beekeeper.” He talked so much about bees he was asked to start a club so he could pass on his knowledge to others. Charles was a born truck driver. After he married Addie Ruth Green in December 2000 and moved to Bridgeport, he drove a truck for Ted and Troy Boyd at Rumco. He drove for Roy Stewart at RWS and always loved Roy even when he moved on to drive for Virgal Oates. He also drove for Mushie and perhaps others that we cannot remember at this time. He loved all of these people and was happy to drive for them. His son Brady is a truck driver like his Dad and they had many conversations about trucks. His daughter Wendy was his “little homemaker,” and for several months she either cooked Sunday lunch for him or brought in whatever he thought he could eat that day. He loved his Green sons and thought that the grandchildren hung the moon. He and Jarret had many conversations about many different things. He loved his family and the Green family and was always happy to hear from them. Charles was a people person. Although he might have to think a minute to remember names, he never forgot faces. He is survived by his wife; sons Charles Brady Steele of Hurst, Texas, Phillip Wayne Steele of Fort Worth, Texas, Charles Green and wife Carrie of Cottondale, Texas, Stephen Green and wife Kelly of Bridgeport, and Bobby Green of Bridgeport; daughters Mary Lou Fairchild, Wendy Lynnette Cox of Springtown, Texas, and Melissa Ann Stanley of West Virginia; brother David Wayne Steele of Springtown; eighteen grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and children Joseph Steele and Nancy Susanne Steele. The family is requesting memorials to the donor’s charity of choice.