Donald Leon Steele, age 88, of Defiance, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Legacy Living of Defiance.

He was born in Napoleon, Ohio on January 6, 1938 to the late Claris "Bob" and Dorothy (Boyd) Steele and was a 1955 graduate of Napoleon High School. Don proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1958. On November 30, 1963 he married Barbara Gerdeman, who survives. They have been married for 62 wonderful years.

Don is a life member of Napoleon VFW #8218 and Defiance AmVets #1991. He was the Toledo Scale Weight Master in Napoleon for Campbell's Soup Company until his retirement. After retirement he worked at Henry Co. Hospital for 20 years. He was known by many as a very dedicated Notre Dame fan. He loved to travel, and above all spend time with his family.

Don is survived by his loving wife Barbara Steele of Defiance, his daughter Dawn (Michael) Ludwig of Defiance, and his son Dean (Connie) Steele of Wauseon, Ohio. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren; Christine Spencer, Danny Joe Spencer of Sherwood, Aleasha (Jeff) Johns, Joshua (Samantha) Ludwig of Defiance, Hannah (Andrew) Fischer of Archbold, Rebekah (Michael) Ater of Ft. Bragg, NC, Jacob (Kimberly) Steele of Delta, and Reagan (Dakota Stirtz) Steele of Wauseon, and 16 great-grandchildren; Tiszon, Connor, Avah, Warren, Danny Jr., and Waylen Spencer, Deagan, Kendel and Daxton Johns, Avery Acevedo, Oliver and Elena Ludwig, Cooper and Iyla Fischer, Charlotte and Madeleine Ater, and his sister-in-law, Jean Steele.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his great-grandson Deven Dietrich, and his brother Ralph Steele.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 from 2:00 PM-8:00 PM at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 29th at the funeral home, with one hour of additional visitation from 10 AM-11 AM before the service. Don will be laid to rest in Riverview Memory Gardens.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.