John Edward Steele, 78, departed this life June 2, 2022, at St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro.  Born January 24, 1944 on Upper Poplar Ridge northwest of Monette, he was the second born son of the late JD and Mildred DeFries Steele.

He was a 1961 graduate from Monette High School where he enjoyed playing basketball, baseball and running track. After attending what was then Arkansas State for two years, he joined his father working the family farm, the first of many of his adult careers. His love of high performance automobiles led him to spend many hours building race cars and attending drag racing events, especially Sunday afternoons at "George Ray's Wildcat Drag Strip" at Paragould. He owned several race cars through the years and two auto related businesses.

He managed Western Auto stores in Little Rock and Bossier City, LA.; worked in banking in Little Rock and Paragould; dabbled in Real Estate in Arkansas; worked for Signal Metals in Irving TX, for eighteen years, starting out sweeping the floors in the warehouse and working his way up to be a Vice President.

He enjoyed riding sport bikes (sometimes called crotch rockets) and for many years rode the fastest model available each year.  Always wanting to personalize his bikes, he designed an aftermarket aluminum, chrome-plated chain guard, to replace the standard black plastic ones. That caught the attention of bike enthusiasts and developed into a successful cottage business. John was the proud author of two books and spent much of his later years contemplating life, writing his thoughts and studying his Bible. He was a member of Monette First Baptist Church, and had actively served as deacon at Northrich Baptist Church in Richardson, TX for 20 years, prior to moving back to Monette in 2003.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by infant sister, Shirley and two nephews, David and Matt Steele.

He is survived by three sons and one daughter, Chris Steele (Michelle) of Boulder, CO, Mark Steele of Frisco, TX, Tim Steele (Victor) of Smyrna, GA and Elizabeth Mangrum (Phillip) of Murfreesboro, TN; grandchildren, James, Natalie and Max Steele of Boulder, CO, Brandon Steele of St. Petersburg, FL, Cameron and Dylan Steele of Frisco, TX and Andrew, Pierce and Emily Mangrum of Murfreesboro, TN; brothers, Max Steele (Mary) of Vista, CA. and Jim Steele of Monette; sisters, Pat Qualls of Conway, Barbara Owens of Marion and Ruth Cullum (Terry) of Jonesboro and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins and loving ex-wife, Betty.

Visitation will be Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 1:00 pm followed immediately by the service at 2:00 pm, at Gregg Funeral Home in Monette.  Burial will follow in Macey Cemetery.