Howard Dean Steele, Sr., 54, of Lumberton, died Friday, September 5, 2014, at LSU Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. Born March 14, 1960, at the Naval Hospital in Millington, Tennessee, Dean is the son of Cecile Jones Steele and Charles Howard Steele.

A 1978 graduate of South Park High School, Dean immediately began working at Mission Petroleum as a tire changer, determined to follow his father in the trucking business.  Still in his teens, he was allowed to move the big trucks around the yard, beginning his life of “big-truck driver.” He worked for United Rentals for thirty-two years in that role. Motorcycles, too, were an important part of his life, as they had been in his father’s.

Dean is survived by his wife, Kelly Scroggins Steele of Lumberton; mother, Cecile Neumann of Beaumont; father and stepmother, Howard Steele and Sylvia, of George West, Texas; daughters, Stephanie Steele of Dallas; Denna Marie Hollinhead and her husband, Joey, of Winnie; and Whitney Probst and her husband, Chris, of Lumberton; son, Howard Dean Steele, Jr. of Huntsville; sisters, Carol Vernum of Beaumont and Betty Land and her husband, Robert, of Livingston; stepsisters, Diana McBride Self  and Linda McBride; stepbrothers, John McBride and Brian McBride; grandchildren, Asher Hollinhead, Raeleigh Steele, Christopher Probst, and Olivia Probst; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members. 

He was preceded in death by his children’s mother, Veda Steele.

A gathering of Mr. Steele’s family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by his funeral service at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 13, 2014, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. His committal service will follow at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Steele’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P O Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, Tennessee 38148  or Calder Baptist Church Organ Fund, 1005 North 11th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77702.