Robert H. Steele

Robert H. Steele passed away on June 22, 2014, at his home with his family at his side. Born May 28, 1930 in Owensboro, KY to the late Vincent Joseph and Pauline Steele, Bob graduated from St. Francis Academy and Brescia College. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. Above all he loved God and family. He was a member of St. Joseph and Paul Catholic Church and was a generous supporter of the Catholic Church and many of its institutions.

His wisdom and kindness was surpassed only by his immense generosity. He was fiercely loyal to family and friends. Bob gave generously and discretely to numerous people and causes dear to his heart. He was an active businessman and entrepreneur. He was a partner with V. J. Steele, Jr. & Jack Steele in VJ Steele Beer Distributing and was president of WSTO and WVJS. Bob brought cable TV to Owensboro in1974 and was president of Owensboro Cable-Vision. In the 1980's he was one of the first entrepreneurs in the country to be involved in cellular phone technology on the national level. He owned and operated Massie-Clarke Development Company and remained active in the business until his death. His employees were dear to his heart and worked tirelessly for Bob. He served on numerous state and local boards including the Owensboro Riverport Authority, Owensboro National Bank, Owensboro Industrial Foundation and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Brescia University awarded him Doctor of Humane Letters in 2013. Bob loved his country, his state and his local community and was very active in national, state and local politics. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers V.J. Steele, Jr., Charles C. Steele and his sisters Pauline, and Mary Anne Steele.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Mary Lou Steele; his children Ray (Susan) Assmar, Ann (John) Gasser and Kathy (John) Anderson; his grandchildren Preston Anderson, Yasmin Gasser, Robert Gasser and Raye Anderson; his sisters Ruth (Bo) Reed, Sarah Edge; his brother Jack (Kay) Steele; his sister-in-law, Beverly Steele; and 22 nieces and nephews.

The funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at Saints Joseph & Paul Catholic Church. Private burial will follow in Mater Dolorosa. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until the conclusion of 7:00 p.m. prayers and from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of a Mass stipend or donations to the Carmel Home or St. Joseph Passionists Monastery. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.glennfuneralhome.com.