Vernon Steele

Master Sergeant Vernon Earl Steele, Sr, Msgt. Vernon Earl Steele Sr. was born February 16, 1934, in West Chester, Pennsylvania to the late Dorothy Steele and James Paskins. He departed his earthly life on July 22, 2015. He was educated in the West Chester, Pa. school system and completed his education while enlisted in the United States Air Force; where he enlisted in 1951 at the tender age of 17 and retired in 1977 with 26 years of service and obtaining the rank of Master Sergeant of which he was very proud of and would let you know it. Upon retiring, Vernon worked for Civil Service as a Heating and Air Conditioning Specialist in the Civil Engineering Squadron; he retired from Civil Service in 2001. Brother Vernon Steele officially joined Calvary Baptist Church March 1, 1987 under the pastorate of Reverend Dr. Richard M. Avant, now Apostle Avant. As an active member of Calvary he served as an Usher, president of the Kitchen Committee and worked as a cook for the summer camp. Brother Steele also made himself available and was willing to serve in any other capacity when called upon. Msgt. Steele was a man of many talents and he enjoyed using them mightily. One talent that he really enjoyed was being a clown. Vernon was a member of the Clowns of Delaware and served as president of this organization for over 15 years. He also was a co-founder of the Small Wonder Clown Club for the Suakim Temple #60 and was a member of the Clowns of America International. Vernon was called upon every year to entertain at the Governor’s Mansion for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt and the Annual Fall Festival until recent years. Msgt. Steele was an avid volunteer at Towne Point Elementary School. He also volunteered at Telamon Head Start program. Vernon became a Mason at a young age, while stationed in Germany he was under the Southern Jurisdiction. He advanced through the ranks and received the 33rd and last degree in Masonry, Prince Hall affiliation Southern Jurisdiction class of 1979. His membership transferred to the Northern Jurisdiction 1998 and he was assigned to Corinthian Consistory #5, Wilmington, De. And until his demise he was a member of Cortney P. Houston Jr. Consistory #119 and Prudence Lodge #6, Prince Hall Affiliation. He also had become the District Deputy Grand Master for the 2nd District in Delaware. Msgt. Vernon Steele was united in holy matrimony to Sandra Lettia Watson Steele on June 9, 1990. This union incorporated two families for a total of eleven children. Alphonso Steele (Sharon), Connecticut; LaVerne Bartley (Robert) Exton, Pa; Nora Steele, Georgia; Vernon Steele Jr., California; Michel Steele (Maggie), Florida; Phillip Steele, California; Erika Blackston (Kareem) North Carolina; Brian Griffin, West Virginia; Kevin C Lerner, Jr, South Carolina and Victoria Steele at home. Vernon was preceded in death by a son Tony Steele; a sister Claire Steele and a brother Ismail Na’eem Zarif. He also leaves to cherish his memory, wife of 25 years, Sandra Steele, his sister Elizabeth Bass of Florida; Mother-in-law Mrs. Grace M. Watson. Brother-in-law’s; Marshall Wilson, Robert Watson, Jr, James Watson and Apostle Chester Watson. His sister-in-law’s Marilyn Duker, Joyce Simmons and Peggy Heath (Wayne). Vernon also leaves to cherish his memory 9 grandchildren, 13 great grands and 4 great, great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, other relatives and friends. Godchildren: Camron Norwood, Tia Keeler, Aniya Carmona and Constance Wheeler. Special Friends: John Stotts, Ron Comer, Leon Battle, Kevin Lucas, Harvey Riley, James Bunkley, Cleveland Phillips, Phil Anthony, Kitty Perry, Peggy Heath, Ida Robbins, Dorothy Scott, Retha Savage, Rita Harmon, Justina Comer, Florence Goldsboro, Ethel Anthony and Herlene Wells. Special Recognition to grandson Lamar Howard for being a steadfast caregiver. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vernon Steele, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Vernon Steele

February 16, 1934 - July 22, 2015