Posted on 12/27/2017
Cdr Robert Livingston Steele, USN (ret), 81, of Griffin Gate Drive, Lexington KY passed peacefully at his home on December 20, 2017 at 8 pm after a long battle with dementia and cancer. Bob is survived by his wife, Darlene Croasman Steele of 20 years and his six children, son, Breck Steele and five daughters, Laurie Davey (Dean), Victoria Logue (Frank), Carol Steele (Tony Risley), Caroline Steele (Carlos Morales) and Kate Steele (Justin Southern); two sisters, Peggy Beaty and Carol Hayes (Pete); six grandchildren, Daniel Flynn (Rebecca), Andrew Flynn, Griffin Logue, Joe LeMay, Sam LeMay, and Sophia Yoshimoto; three great grandchildren, Ellis, Isla and Ryan Flynn; Sister-in-law--Kathy Kilgore (Bill), nephews, William Sebring (Shelley) and Christopher Sebring; grand niece, Julia Sebring; Cousin Sandi Tompkins (Robert); and many extended family relatives. Bob was born in Corregidor, Philippines and is preceded in death by his father, Col Preston Steele, mother, Jean Herbert, aunt, Connie Archer, sister, Terry Steele. Bob is a graduate of the Staunton Military Academy (1954), United States Naval Academy (1960) and MIT in Naval Engineering. He served 20 years in the United State Navy in submarines and retired 1980. He was the Technical Director for the American Society of Naval Engineers and retired 2006. He is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church and served as deacon. Bob has a long history of military in his family and close ties to Lexington, father, Col Preston Steele (WWII), grandfather, Capt Theophilus Breckinridge Steele, great grandfather, Dr Theophilus Steele married Sophinisba Breckinridge, daughter of Robert Jefferson Breckinridge, a very influential member of Second Presbyterian Church. A Graveside service will be conducted 2:00 pm Thursday, December 28, 2017 in Lexington Cemetery by The Rev. Canon Frank Logue. Special Thanks to Bob's Caregivers, Home Health nurses and therapists and the Hospice team. Bob struggled for ten years with dementia and cancer and now is at peace. He was proud of his country and his service and is loved, remembered and respected by many. In Bob's memory, please support your local Alzheimer, Cancer and Hospice Associations. View and sign the guestbook at: www.milwardfuneral.com
Published in Lexington Herald-Leader on Dec. 26, 2017