Michael Robert Steele, age 75, of Franklin, WV, passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Sentara RMH in Harrisonburg, VA. He was born on September 30, 1948, in Richmond, IN, the son of the late Bob and Margaret Steele. In October of 1972, Michael married his wife of 51 years, Fay (Brown) Steele, who survives in Franklin.

Michael was a graduate of Richmond High School and attended  St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. He retired in 2013, after working from 1977-2013 for the Sugar Grove Naval Base in Public Works as a mechanic. Michael was a proud American Veteran, having served in the Vietnam War in the US Navy as a Sea Bee and in the US Army during Desert Storm.

Mr. Steele was quite an accomplished man and his passion was giving back to the community. He was a dedicated member of Franklin Volunteer Fire Department as well as an EMT for Franklin Rescue Squad and a member of the Tactical Skills Team, where he assisted in water, cave and rock climbing rescues. Mike was instrumental in rescue operations and clean-up during the flood of 85. He donated his time to help his fellow Veterans by being a volunteer driver for transportation to the VA facility in Martinsburg, WV. He enjoyed being an active member of the Killbuck Riflemen Association, was fond of riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle to work daily, and was an accomplished scuba diver.

In addition to his wife, Michael leaves behind to cherish his memory: a daughter, Anna Steele  (Charlie Hammer) of Harrisonburg, VA; 3 sons, Loren Steele of San Francisco, CA, Joshua Steele of Richmond, VA, Anthony Steele of Franklin, WV; a sister, Lora Harter of Indianapolis, IN; 3 brothers, Tony Steele of Bowling Green, KY, Tim Steele (Teresa) of Jacksonville, FL, Jon Steele (Kelly) of Tampa, FL; and a granddaughter, Lilyfae Hammer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Rita Robinson and Sandy Wagers.

Mr. Steele's family will receive friends on Friday, January 26, 2024, 6-8 PM at the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin, WV. Funeral services will be on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, with Father Mario Claro and Father Dan Pisano officiating. Interment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the US Army and Grant County Veterans Honor Guard.  Memorials may be made to Franklin Volunteer Fire Department or Rescue Squad. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.