of West Memphis, AR
August 17, 1934 - July 13, 2023
Claude ''Shorty'' Roosevelt Steele Sr., 88, of West Memphis passed away at home on Thursday July 13, 2023. Shorty, as he was known by most everyone who ever met him, was born on August 17, 1934 at Rosebud Island in Crittenden County to Harrison R. and Ellen Elezora Steele. He was the only son and grew up with four loving sisters. He lived a life of service to others from an early age. He joined the Army and shipped off to Korea at the age of 17, where he served honorably and returned home as a decorated combat veteran. After returning from service he worked in the trucking/transportation industry for more than 35 years, accruing millions of safe and accident free miles delivering products from fuel to medical supplies. After retiring from the trucking industry, Shorty embarked on a career that would become his passion. In 2001, he was appointed as the Crittenden County Veterans Service Officer. This role allowed him to provide service to his fellow Veterans and he helped thousands of Veterans obtain medical care, benefits and pensions they earned from their military service. He was the driving force to build the Crittenden County Veterans Memorial, dedicated in 2002 on the grounds of the Crittenden County Courthouse. He was also named the Arkansas Outstanding County Veterans Service Officer in 2006. He continued his service by serving several terms as an elected official, first on the West Memphis City Council and then on the Crittenden County Quorum Court.
He was a member of Grace Baptist Church, Past Commander of VFW Marion/West Memphis Post 5225, a member of American Legion Post 53 and a Mason.
He is preceded in death by his wife Linda of 48 years; parents, Harry and Ellen Steele; a son, Claude R. ''Rodney'' Steele Jr. and sisters, Alice Knowlton, Ruby Sanders and Betty Mills.
He is survived by one son, Kevin D. Steele (Lydia) of Little Rock, AR; 3 daughters, Annette Voyles of Gilmore, AR, Theresa Romero (Wilson) of New Iberia, LA, Ellen Foote (McVey) of West Memphis; 10 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren, a few great, great grandchildren and his sister, Dorothy L. Elliot of Nixa, Missouri.
He also left numerous bonus family members including his long time caregiver, Caitlin and all of his Crittenden County Courthouse crew.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to VFW Marion/West Memphis Post 5225, 406 South Avalon St., West Memphis, AR. 72301 or Grace Baptist Church, PO Box 723, West Memphis, AR 72203
Visitation will be held at Roller Citizens Funeral Home in West Memphis on Friday, June 21 at 11:00 pm with services to follow at noon.
Sign Guestbook
21 Condolence(s)
Patricia Padgitt Walters
Monday, August 21, 2023
So sorry to hear of your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Shorty through my husband, Jerry Walters who was also in the trucking business and they worked together for 16 years.
May God be with you during this time!!!
willard lawrence
Friday, July 21, 2023
The class of 55 of West Memphis has lost a real hero (as has the country). Rest in peace old friend.
Sandy Huntsberger
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Kevin, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for God to wrap his arms around you and comfort you with His peace.
Julia Jones
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
I’m so sorry for your loss of this fine, caring gentleman. May God comfort all of his family and give you peace. â¤ï¸
BRAD NORRIS
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
You have our condolences on the loss of your father. We are praying for you and the family.
Brad and Carol Norris
Brenda, Tom, Brooklyn
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Uncle Claude, you were the best uncle always. When I was there we would sit on the couch channel search the different ball games on TV no one else was interested in games. I remember when he lived in Indiana that was a few years ago. Now the party begins with your sisters now especially aunt Betty barking orders my mom Alice and aunt Ruby just listening. Love you Uncle Claude
Andy Luttrell
Monday, July 17, 2023
Mr. Steele was a true gentleman. He will be missed by all in Crittenden County. Prayers for him and all his family members.
Respect and love,
Heather Finley
Monday, July 17, 2023
My sweet Caitlin loves you & misses you so much already!! But we know you have been reunited with your precious, Gem. To quote what you’d say to our girl every day, “stay sweet†, Mr. Steele â¤ï¸
Heather Finley
Sunday, July 16, 2023
My sweet Caitlin loves you & misses you so much already!! But we know you have been reunited with your precious, Gem. To quote what you’d say to our girl every day, “stay sweet†, Mr. Steele â¤ï¸
Ernest M Byerly
Sunday, July 16, 2023
Please accept our most sincere condolences on Claude's passing.
He was a great guy for the more than 70 years that I knew him.
Lorenzo Parker
Sunday, July 16, 2023
My prayers are with the family. I great man, person, and individual that will surely be missed.
David Ellis
Sunday, July 16, 2023
You will be missed Mr. Steele. Many a fond memory at 616 Balfour for me, being part of the very large familial and extended family you shepherded. You are now with Linda and a big part of the great people that shaped my formative time as a young boy are together again. This makes me happy.
I will always remember in the afternoons hanging with Kevin while you waited to ‘get your call’. Love you Shorty.
Sherry Rios
Sunday, July 16, 2023
Love â¤ï¸ Pop's Steele...
Larry Harvey
Sunday, July 16, 2023
My prayers are with you Kevin and your family.
Respectfully, Larry Harvey
Caitlin Finley
Saturday, July 15, 2023
You will be greatly missed Mr. Steele. I’ll stay “sweet!â€
Tammy May
Saturday, July 15, 2023
I am so sorry about Claude. All of you have been an important part of my family. Great Cousins. I love you all and I will miss Claude so much. I remember the great times we all had together at Claude and Linda house. The great fish fries. They will always be special memories in my heart. Love you All.
Tammy Kennedy May
Bo McElya
Saturday, July 15, 2023
Mr. Shorty was a great man of distinction for all of Crittenden County and especially to the Veterans community. May his family receive the peace and comfort of God's loving arms during this period of grief and mourning the loss of their loved one. Rest in peace Mr. Shorty, you deserve it for sure.
Dianne Daniel
Saturday, July 15, 2023
Ellen, I am so sorry to read about Shorty's passing. My prayers are with all the family and friends.
Russell Schuh
Friday, July 14, 2023
This Man was a Giant Pillar of the Community. I met "Shorty" about 1967 or '68 as a Boy Scout. Mr. VFW ! He has been a Lifelong friend and will be Deeply Missed by All Who Knew Him ! My Deepest Condolences and Heartfelt Prayers go out to Ellen and the family.
Wanda Ramsey
Friday, July 14, 2023
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. He was such a good man and so much fun to be around. May God give you peace at heart as you morn your special family member. Sending love to you and your family..
Nannette Baker
Friday, July 14, 2023
Shorty was the kindest man. I saw him often when I worked for the Crittenden county court house. My Daddy was friends with him, back in the day.
Thoughts & prayers are with his family.
Phil 4:13