Larry "Joe" Steel, 72, of Defiance passed away on Friday, March 29, 2013 in his home.

He was born April 6, 1940 in Defiance and was the son of Glen and Audrey (Mohr) Steel.

Joe married Eileen Ball in 1969 and she preceded him in death on October 18, 2008. He is also preceded in death by his parents, son Larry Jr.and two brothers Glen Steel Jr. and Lyle Steel.

Joe is survived by two sons; Jerry (Bonnie) Steel of Bryan, Danny (Jen) Steel of Middlebury, IN, four grandchildren; Joseph (Miria) Steel of Defiance, Rachel Steel of Elkhart, IN, Eric Steel of Bryan, Dani Steel of Middlebury, IN, three great grandchildren; Christopher, Andrew and Colton, three brothers; Phillip (Harriet) Steel, Tom (Janet) Steel and Rolland (Vicki) Steel all of Defiance, two sisters; Anna Marie (Jack) Szabo of Ft. Wayne, IN, Bonnie (Paul) Moser of Defiance and his two dogs Clyde and Tuffy.

He was a self-employed carpenter and small engine repairman for many years.  Joe served in the U.S. Army during Korea and was a member of the VFW, Moose and Eagles Lodge. He collected guns, enjoyed going to casinos and for the past two years volunteered for the Defiance Hospice.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, April 2, 2013 from 2 to 8pm in the Schaffer Funeral Home.

Funeral service for Joe will be in the funeral home on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 10:30am.

Burial with military honors provided by the VFW Post #3360 will be in Cromley Cemetery, Defiance.

Memorial contributions may be made to Defiance Hospice.