Thomas Junior Steele died peacefully in his "tiny" home on December 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born March 16, 1927 in Knob Noster, Missouri to Thomas Alex Steele and Pearl Mae (Hitchens) Steele, Tom's formative years were spent in the church. Tom would help load coal and stock the church on Sundays with his father. This instilled in him a sense of dedication, hard work and faith that would guide him through life. Tom lived by the message that life isn't about the start or the end; it's about the dash in between.

In 1945, his senior year of high school, Tom was drafted by the U.S. Army and served a tour in Italy before being honorably discharged in 1947. Tom married Alberta Faye (Taylor) December 5, 1947 and lived in Independence, MO for 24 years. They fostered many children and adopted four of their seven children. Following the Lord's lead, the family relocated to Warrensburg, MO in 1971 to give themselves to ministry full-time in their community.

"This is what we came down to do," Tom said in March 2023.

While in ministry, Tom also worked at Allis-Chalmers and Central Missouri State University as a machinist until his retirement from CMSU in May 1992.

His faith inspired many, including the lives of his own children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Being actively engaged in their lives grew a family ministry of its own. During many of his sermons, Tom would call the children to sit at the front of the pulpit, citing that if the young folks weren't taught, there wouldn't be a church in the future. He shared that it was his priviledge to follow his Savior and lead many to Christ through his work as a Teacher and an Elder at the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He completed his work as an Elder at the Knob Noster Restoration Branch of Jesus Christ's Church.

Tom was both a friend and confidante, being ever so quick witted with his humor and sage advice. When one thinks of Tom, by extension, one always thinks of Alberta. The two were inseperable. Tom was a covering for his wife and children, and when he wasn't ministering to the people of Knob Noster or creating away with hands, he could be found holding hands with Alberta. They were a representation to many of what true, lasting love is.

Survivors include son: Timothy Ray Steele (Diann) of Sedalia, MO; daughter: Alisha Johnson (Todd) of Warrensburg, MO; 20 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren with one more on the way; eight great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 75 years, five children: Rebekah Lynn Steele in infancy; John Thomas Steele; Jeanne Anne Lion; Donald Eugene Steele and Janice Marie Van Winkle and one great-grandson: Harley Fischer Dunkin. He was also preceded in death by his parents, five sisters and one brother.

Funeral Services will be 12:00 p.m. Saturday, January 10th at Knob Noster Restoration Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to service, Saturday at the church.  There will be a private interment at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, with full Military Honors, at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to Williams Funeral Chapel in Warrensburg.