Russel L "Joe" Steele, 91 formerly of Oakwood passed away Friday, February 1, 2013 in the Ohio Veterans Home, Sandusky where he had been a resident for the past 5 1/2 years.

He was born July 23, 1921 in Paulding County and was the son of William and Melvia (Cramer) Steele.

On June 23, 1944 he married Willie "Billie" Lee Wynn and she preceded in death on June 2, 2006. He is also preceded in death by his parents, a son Joseph Michael Steele, two brothers Francis and Harold Steele and a sister Olive Pessefall.

Joe is survived by a sister Helen Mae Bieniek of Temperance, MI, and several nieces and nephews

Joe proudly served his country in the Army during W.W. II and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He worked for Toledo Edison and for 18 years at the GM Powertrain retiring in 1981. Joe was a member of the VFW Post# 3360 of Defiance, Disabled American Veterans, United Auto Workers #211, I.B.E.W #245 and the Ogeechee Masonic Lodge #213 F&AM.

Funeral service for Joe will be Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 1:00PM in the Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance with Rev. C. Joseph Fifer officiating.

Visitation will begin on Tuesday at the funeral home, two hours prior to the funeral starting at 11:00AM.

Burial will be in Sherman Cemetery with military honors provided by the members of VFW Post #3360.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Masonic Children's Home of Georgia, 1417 Notingham Dr. Macon, GA 31211 or the donor's choice.