Obituaries

May 21, 1944 to October 30, 2019

MEDARYVILLE - Max Dean Steele, 75, of Medaryville, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 30, at his residence.

He was born May 21, 1944 in Winamac, to the late Ray Allen and Helen Masterson Steele. He was a 1962 graduate of Medaryville High School where he played basketball and ran track. He received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Purdue University in 1966. He married Aileen Edna Siemens on Aug. 20, 1966 in Lafayette. She survives.

Survivors also include:
Bryan Ray Steele, Son
Alexandra Orianna Deryn, Indiana University Bloomington, Granddaughter
Lonnie Allen (Carol) Steele, Carmel, Brother
Bill Douglas Steele, Valparaiso, Brother

Preceded in death by:
Reagan Leigh Steele, Daughter

Mr. Steele served in the U.S. Army from 1966 until 1969. He also served in the Illinois National Guard and was deployed to Honduras in 1985. He was an avid patriot and loved his country, having volunteered as an Honor Flight Guardian. In 2018 he was an Honor Flight veteran. He was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Reynolds, and the American Legion Post 29 in Rensselaer. He was a former member of Lions Club International. He was a former county agriculture agent for Purdue University and spent most of his life involved in agricultural endeavors. He was a 10-year member of 4-H and enjoyed attending county and Indiana state fairs. His granddaughter, Alexandra, remembers him as being incredibly funny and her most loving "papa." She stated, "The universe gained another hilarious and loving soul."

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 8, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, at the funeral home with Pastor Charles Blakey officiating. Burial be at White Post Cemetery in Medaryville. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.