Curtis Steele
Alton |
Curtis D. Steele, 52, of Alton, Illinois passed away at 8:06 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 in the emergency department at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born August 23, 1964 in Alton, a son of the late Dale C. Steele and Betty L. (Shewmake) Franklin. Since the age of 17, he enjoyed working with and was a devoted and loyal property manager with Larry Manns Commercial Properties for 35 years, retiring in 2016 due to his health. He had also helped in management of Midtown Restaurant in Alton for several years and with the Alton Metro Bar. He was a jack of all trades and no task was too much for him. Curt lived life to its fullest, never meeting a stranger and always there to help others in need. He truly helped many lives throughout the gay community and knew the true meaning of “Love Wins”. He loved to cook, bringing family and friends together for holiday dinners and always up for a party. He enjoyed his early days singing with the choir in church, Sunday family lunches, traveling, politics, collecting everything, going out to eat and always trying a new restaurant throughout the St. Louis area. He cherished all animals and loved his dogs and cat. Curt cherished his years of caring for his grandparents and his travels to see Dolly Parton in the past years and found that special love of her music and life.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Donald H. “Apple” and Juanita E. (Reeder) Applegate whom raised and loved him as their son. He was also preceded in death by five brothers, Butch, Ricky, Joe, Ronnie and Jeffrey Shaw. He is survived by a sister, Donna Campbell of Wood River; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Dennis and Mary Shaw of Dow and Kevin Tite of O’Fallon, Missouri; cousins, Sharon Hooper, Tawnya Hooper, Tommy Hooper and Reid Murray, all of Alton, Leslie and Lataua Applegate of Godfrey and James Applegate of Texas; many nieces; nephews; and a large circle of his very special family of friends.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. where funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2017. Reverend Charles West will officiate. Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery in Alton, Illinois. Memorials may be made to HOPE Rescues, P.O. Box 397, Godfrey, Illinois 62035 and may be accepted at the funeral home. www.irwinchapel.com
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home
