Jerald Willard Steele

Jerald Willard Steele, 82, of Casper, Wyoming passed away peacefully October 30, 2024, with his family by his side. Jerry was the youngest of five children born to Lila B (Steele) Bauman and Robert L Steele in Akron, Colorado on January 12, 1942. As a young boy, Jerry's family lived in Cope, Colorado, where he attended school and enjoyed playing sports. He was usually the smallest one on the team, but that didn't stop him from taking on the most difficult job, such as playing center position in football. While playing baseball, he enjoyed playing third base and it often that the first baseman would take his glove off to see if his hand was bruised after a fast throw. It was in his younger years Jerry developed his witty sense of humor and his scrappy personality. He looked up to his brothers Dale and Darrel and was doted on by his sisters June and Betty. Jerry met the love of his life Jerry Lynn while she was visiting her aunt in Cope CO. Jerry traveled to California to meet her parents and they were married on October 3rd, 1961.

They moved to Cope where they made their home and welcomed their first child Laura Ann. Later they returned to California where Michael Willard was born in 1965. Jerry worked at Georgia Pacific and after the loss of his brother Darrel, they returned back to Colorado to be closer to Jerry's family. In 1970 Darrel Robert Samuel was born. Many memories were made while spending time with family in Cope and Kanorado Ks. Jerry played hard and was always up for a good time. Jerry was an avid trap shooter and attended hundreds of traps shoots and has many trophies to show for it. A few years later Jerald moved his family to Stratton. where he began his career in operating heavy equipment.  Jerald later relocated his family to Wyoming While working road construction for Platte Valley. This led him to Medicine Bow where he worked in the uranium mines. He later ran various heavy equipment and there wasn't a piece of equipment he couldn't operate. He worked several years at Getty Petrotomics and Pathfinder Mines. 

Many memories were made in Medicine Bow. Jerry worked hard and played harder. He enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, camping, and gathering firewood; of course he loved to sing and dance. Jerry's passions were hunting, tinkering on vehicles, and reloading shotgun shells.  There were many fun times playing poker, and Trivial Pursuit. Family dinners were always filled with laughter, friends, and jokes. His quick wit and personality could not be denied. Later when the kids were grown, Jerry and Jerry Lynn moved to Casper, where Jerry worked at North Antelope Rochelle Mine. After Jerry Lynn's passing in 2004, Jerry continued working until the age of 72. After retiring, Jerry met Linda Henderson and together they enjoyed his annual hunting trips and shared interests. 

Jerry was proceeded into heaven by his wife Jerry Lynn Steele, his friend and companion Linda Henderson, his mother Lila (Steele) Bauman, Stepfather Martin (Hap) Bauman, Father Robert Steele, Stepmother Gladys Steele, brother Darrel Steele, sister Betty Windham, great granddaughter Ava Latimer, great grandson Isaiah Santistevan, along with many other family members and friends. 

Jerry is survived by his children, Laura (John) Mondoc, Michael (Holly) Steele, and Darrel (Maria) Steele, (10) grandchildren, (27) Great grandchildren, Sister, June Williams, Brother, Dale Steele and many nieces, nephews and friends. 

Donations may be made to Central Wyoming Hospice & Transitions in honor of Jerald Willard Steele's memory. Jerald will be laid to rest along with the love of his life Jerry Lynn in Cope CO. at a later date. 

Services for Jerry will be held at First United Methodist Church, 302 East Second Street Casper WY, 82601 on Saturday November 9th, 2024, at 1:00 pm. 

The family would like to thank each and every one of you for your love and friendship and invite you to join them for a reception.

To view the livestream of the service please visit http://youtube.com/@casperfumc9019?si=Xcvh0zf2Rt9EWVXg

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