Joseph Steele

Joseph Edward “Joe” Steele Jr., died peacefully at Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center in Globe, Arizona on September 15, 2015 at the age of 91.Joe was born on February 11, 1924 in Globe, Arizona to Joe and Mary Steele. After graduating from Globe High School, in 1943, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country during WWII as a Seaman First Class Portside, 8th Division, on the Battleship U.S.S Tennessee. After his esteemed service and discharge from the Navy following the war, Joe returned to Globe and married his sweetheart Gloria Mardell Jones, and over the course of the next several years, welcomed 4 children to their family. Joe worked for Inspiration Consolidated Copper Company-Smelter Division in Miami for 37 years. During the course of his tenure at ICCCo, he would eventually elevate to the position of General Foreman up until his retirement. His children remember him best for his many hobbies, interests, and pastimes, as well his articulate vernacular. Of all Joe’s interests, watching and wagering on football games was one of his favorites. In addition, many of Joe’s family can recall fond memories of the amusing and pointed political conversations, or at least hearing about he and sister Mary Jane banter about the state of the World and American politics. A favorite pastime following retirement was working with Andy Angal at Action Pawn for over 10 years.Joe was an incredible storyteller and loved spending time with his family and his grandchildren. Joe (PaJoe) loved making them laugh and talking about his long life; teaching them card games and posting a challenge each visit. Joe was an avid cribbage player, however, pitch was always an option. He was an active, dedicated and longtime member of the Elks Lodge, VFW and American Legion.Joe is survived by his daughter, Gloria “Lynn” Woodrow and husband Woody, from Mesa, Arizona, sister Mary Jane Johnson of Globe, as well as his beloved African Parrot and Best Friend, Mo. In addition, Joe leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Among his surviving grandchildren: Julie Weatherwalks (Drake) and husband T.J. of Mesa, Stephanie Drake, of Kelseyville, California, and Raina Egbert (Mesa); great-grandchildren, Jennifer Barton and Stevie Weatherwalks, (Mesa), Steven “Tyler” Drake, (Chandler); Damien Xavier Jones, (Centreville, Virginia); Cole Anthony Reno, (Mesa); great-great grandchildren, Madison Barton, Kendall Barton and Christopher Barton; brother-in-law Tony Blanco, niece MaryAnn Dorame (Blanco), husband Ernie and son Benjamin; nephew Robert Blanco and great-nephew Joseph Douglas. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Steele Sr. and Margaret Elizabeth Steele; sisters Hannah Douglas and Betty Blanco; wife Gloria Mardell Steele; daughter JoAnn Hicks; sons William “Bill” Steele and Gary D. Steele; grandson Manuel George Casillas IV; nephew Robert Douglas and Robert’s spouse Carol.Funeral services for Joe are scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2015, 2:00 p.m. at Lamont Mortuary in Globe, Arizona, with a reception to follow at The American Legion Hall in Globe at 3:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joe’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Copper Communities Hospice at 136 S. Broad Street, Globe, AZ. Condolences can be sent to www.lamontmortuary.com. The family would like to thank Pat Tremain and Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center for their care and dedication during this time.