Howard Hoke Steele 93, was born April 25, 1914 in New Carlisle, Ohio. He was the eldest son of Harry F. & Ada Hoke Steele. His early years of study were spent in schools in and around the New Carlisle area and he graduated from North Hampton High School, in 1932. Mr. Steele was also a graduate of Wittenberg and Miami (Oxford) universities. He is survived by his wife Marie Riffell Steele whom he married on May 25th, 1939, a son Rev. Gerald Steele and wife Miriam from Marlette, Michigan, a daughter Norma Hayslip and husband Stephen of Park Layne, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, three brothers, Arthur, Harold and Wilbert of New Carlisle, and two sisters, Alma Gracy of New Carlisle and Thelma Streber of Springfield. Two brothers, Harley and J.A. preceded him in death. Mr. Steele was a life-long member of the Missionary Church and an active member of Gideons International since 1979. His professional career spanned thirty-nine years during which he was a teacher and administration in Clark County Schools. Later he spent twenty-three years in Tecumseh School District, working as an administrator. Mr. Steele also resided in Mishawaka, Indiana for ten years where he was as the business manager of Bethel College. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed planting wherever he lived. Mr. Steele's visitation will be Thursday, September 27th, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the New Carlisle Missionary Church, 111 North Adams Street, New Carlisle, Ohio with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in New Carlisle Cemetery. Arrangements are by the TROSTEL, CHAPMAN, DUNBAR & FRALEY FUNERAL HOME, New Carlisle, Ohio. In lieu of flowers the family request that contributions be made to Gideons International or the New Carlisle Missionary Church.