Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life immediately following at the Butler Country Club.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Butler First Christian Church or the Missouri Junior Holstein Association – The Edward Steele Memorial 11449 Lawrence #2220, Verona, MO 65769. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Ed was born June 17, 1934, in Butler, Missouri to Russell and Helen (Frazier) Steele. He attended the Bethel Country School and graduated from Butler High School in 1952. In 1957 he was united in marriage to Sue Ann King of Adrian and was blessed to be married for 65 years until Sue’s death in 2022. They made their life and home on the farm west of Butler and then moved in 2020 to be closer to family.
Ed milked cattle and farmed with his dad starting at a very young age. He chose to stay home after high school rather than attend college to keep his dad from selling their cattle. Ed began dairy farming with his brother-in-law Jerry King in 1957, milking up to 220 registered Holsteins daily. They formed a family corporation, Steele and King Farms, Inc., in 1972, and they continued the milking operation until they sold their dairy in 2006. In 1994 Steele and King Farms was honored with the Missouri State Fair Family Recognition Award and in 1995 received the Master Breeder Award.
Ed contributed to the field of dairy farming and agriculture throughout his life. He served as president of the MO Holstein Association and chaired their state sale committee for several years. He judged dairy competitions in multiple states and was a local 4H leader for many years. Ed was involved with the Bates County Fair Board since its beginning in 1973, served as president multiple times, and was nicknamed the “fair board senior advisor” in later years.
Ed was an active, life-long member of the First Christian Church in Butler where he served as an Elder, Deacon, and board chairman.
Ed was born June 17, 1934, in Butler, Missouri to Russell and Helen (Frazier) Steele. He attended the Bethel Country School and graduated from Butler High School in 1952. In 1957 he was united in marriage to Sue Ann King of Adrian and was blessed to be married for 65 years until Sue’s death in 2022. They made their life and home on the farm west of Butler and then moved in 2020 to be closer to family.
Ed milked cattle and farmed with his dad starting at a very young age. He chose to stay home after high school rather than attend college to keep his dad from selling their cattle. Ed began dairy farming with his brother-in-law Jerry King in 1957, milking up to 220 registered Holsteins daily. They formed a family corporation, Steele and King Farms, Inc., in 1972, and they continued the milking operation until they sold their dairy in 2006. In 1994 Steele and King Farms was honored with the Missouri State Fair Family Recognition Award and in 1995 received the Master Breeder Award.
Ed contributed to the field of dairy farming and agriculture throughout his life. He served as president of the MO Holstein Association and chaired their state sale committee for several years. He judged dairy competitions in multiple states and was a local 4H leader for many years. Ed was involved with the Bates County Fair Board since its beginning in 1973, served as president multiple times, and was nicknamed the “fair board senior advisor” in later years.
Ed was an active, life-long member of the First Christian Church in Butler where he served as an Elder, Deacon, and board chairman.
Ed loved spending time with his two grandchildren and was their biggest fan. He traveled thousands of miles to watch them compete in golf tournaments over the years. He loved watching all kinds of sports and enjoyed golfing.
Ed was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, sister Celia Engelhardt, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jerry & Jeanette King, and son-in-law Charles Bauersfeld. He is survived by his two daughters: Becky Bauersfeld and partner Phillip Thornton of Phoenix, AZ, and Brenda and Ted Chael of Overland Park, KS, Grandson Andrew (Laura) Chael of Mission Woods, KS, granddaughter Dr. Jordan Chael of Lexington, KY, great granddaughter Sophia Chael, brother-in-law Bill Engelhardt of Broken Arrow, OK, niece Denna Johnson of Huntsville, UT, nephew Evan Engelhardt of Prairieville, LA, nephew Rick (Lori) King and niece Julie (Steve) Lewis all of Butler, MO, and Jana (Mike) Boehler of Olathe, KS, along with many great nieces and nephews.
Ed was a loving father, a caring friend and a mentor to all. He lived his life displaying a positive attitude and strong work ethic and instilled these attributes in family and friends alike. He leaves a legacy of love and devotion to all the lives he touched.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at the Vineyard House and St. Croix Hospice for caring for Ed the past several months.
