DOWNS CHAPEL - John E. Steele Sr., of Downs Chapel, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, Nov. 21, 2011. He was 75. Mr. Steele was born April 1, 1936, in Wilmington, the son of the late William Henry Steele Sr. and Annamae Cushion Steele. John retired as a Truck Driver for Anchor Motor Freight after 27 years. He then went on to work as a Crane Operator, a job which he loved, for First State Crane in Felton, for over 20 years. Mr. Steele loved running and operating his cranes. He also enjoyed tinkering on cars and dancing. He also enjoyed boating with his children in his younger years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 38 years, Dolores; a son, Andrew John Steele; two brothers, William and Jacob; two sisters, Janet Marie and Mary; and a nephew, Vernon, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie; three daughters, Elda Starke and her husband Jeff of Camden, Janet Marie Sherman and her husband Willie of Felton, and Linda Johnson and her boyfriend Bill Smith of Camden; a step-daughter, Doris (Sissy) Hawkins; two sons, John E. Steele, Jr. and his wife Wendy of Dover, and Donald Steele and his girlfriend Nancy of Clayton; a step-son, Robert Lambert of Smyrna; four brothers, Vernon, George, Ace, and Earl; five sisters, Annie, Georgianna, Alice, Sharon, and Shirley; 18 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Services will be 1 p.m., Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, in the Faries Funeral Chapel located at 29 S. Main St., Smyrna, where friends may call at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Sharon Hills Memorial Park in Dover. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society 92 Reads Way Suite 205, New Castle, DE 19720. Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.