Bradford Lynn Steele,92, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014, of natural causes in his home at South Port Square in Port Charlotte, Florida. He was born Nov. 18, 1921, in Mt. Comfort, to Irwin and Hazel Steele, Brad spent most of his life in Indianapolis with his wife, of 60 years, Juanita Blue Steele.
Always the consummate gentleman with a wickedly charming sense of humor, he was a well-loved and admired father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Brad was an avid reader who especially preferred suspense novels. He enjoyed fishing and golf, but he was most happy at the bridge table, subsequently having a cocktail with his friends, discussing the hands, after the game.
As a salesman, Brad covered a four state territory selling his product, which was, ironically, steel for Rolled Alloys, Inc. He and Juanita enjoyed traveling all over the world, but eventually settled in Punta Gorda, Fla., as their winter home. Both loved the atmosphere and climate of this friendly community where they found many others who played their favorite game of bridge. Brad was a member of the Speedway Methodist Church and the Indianapolis Masonic Lodge.
He is survived by one brother, Kerry Duane ( Marilyn) Steele, of Galt, Calif.; daughter, Karen Steele (Reath) Cosner of Naples, Fla., and Bedford, Ind.; two grandchildren, Jason Steele (Angie) Cosner of Bedford, Ind. and Krista Lynn Cosner of San Francisco; three great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Benjamin, and Samuel Cosner.
He was preceded in death by parents; wife and sister, June Steele Maxwell.
A private memorial service will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, the family request in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to Becky’s Place for Homeless Women, 11085 St. Bedford, Indiana, 47421. Brad was an original patron and supporter of this organization.
