Alton Cemetery

Steele Sr., 64, died at 8:37 a.m. Saturday, March 11, 2017 at OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center in Alton. Born November 16, 1952 in Alton, he was the son of Gerald and Lupe (Torrez) Steele. He is survived by his longtime companion, Mary Austin of Alton, one son, Joseph G. Steele Jr. of Portland, Oregon, three daughters, Antonia Steele of Portland, Oregon, Angela Steele of Portland, Oregon, and Bobbie Jo Steele of Centerville, MO and 15 grandchildren. Surviving also are, three brothers, Charlie Steele of Granite City, Martin Steele of Brighton and Robert Steele of East Alton, and two sisters, Lisa McBride of East Alton and Martha Lair of Rosewood Heights. Also surviving are Mary’s children, Allen Austin of Alton, Justin Austin of Cottage Hills, and Holly (Austin) Wright of Roxana and Mary's grandchildren and great grandchildren. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Richard, Gerald and John Steele. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 20, 2017 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com...

Steele, 52, of Alton, Illinois passed away at 8:06 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 in the emergency department at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born August 23, 1964 in Alton, a son of the late Dale C. Steele and Betty L. (Shewmake) Franklin. Since the age of 17, he enjoyed working with and was a devoted and loyal property manager with Larry Manns Commercial Properties for 35 years, retiring in 2016 due to his health. He had also helped in management of Midtown Restaurant in Alton for several years and with the Alton Metro Bar. He was a jack of all trades and no task was too much for him. Curt lived life to its fullest, never meeting a stranger and always there to help others in need. He truly helped many lives throughout the gay community and knew the true meaning of “Love Wins”. He loved to cook, bringing family and friends together for holiday dinners and always up for a party. He enjoyed his early days singing with the choir in church, Sunday family lunches, traveling, politics, collecting everything, going out to eat and always trying a new restaurant throughout the St. Louis area. He cherished all animals and loved his dogs and cat. Curt cherished his years of caring for his grandparents and his travels to see Dolly Parton in the past years and found that special love of her music and life.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Donald H. “Apple” and Juanita E. (Reeder) Applegate whom raised and loved him as their son. He was also preceded in death by five brothers, Butch, Ricky, Joe, Ronnie and Jeffrey Shaw. He is survived by a sister, Donna Campbell of Wood River; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Dennis and Mary Shaw of Dow and Kevin Tite of O’Fallon, Missouri; cousins, Sharon Hooper, Tawnya Hooper, Tommy Hooper and Reid Murray, all of Alton, Leslie and Lataua Applegate of Godfrey and James Applegate of Texas; many nieces; nephews; and a large circle of his very special family of friends.In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granit...