Bobby Doyle SteeleColleyvilleBobby Doyle Steele, 83, passed away on June 13, 2017, while surrounded by his loving family. A visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home in Colleyville, Texas. Graveside service is at 9 a.m. Sunday, June 25, 2017, in Eola Cemetery, Eola, Texas. Bob was born on June 2, 1934, in Caretta, West Virginia. After graduating from high school he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was assigned to the 1st Marine Division. He received an Honorable Discharge from the Marine Corps after having served in the Korean War. After a short time he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he was a welding specialist. He was able to pursue his love for flying light aircraft through military "aero clubs". From his first FAA certification as a private pilot he quickly obtained more advanced training to become an FAA certified commercial pilot, instrument instructor and ground school instructor. In 1963 the U.S. Army offered Bob a direct appointment as a Warrant Officer where he was trained to fly helicopters. After his flight training in Mineral Wells, Texas and Fort Rucker, Alabama he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. In June, 1965 he, along with the entire 101st Airborne Division, was deployed to Vietnam. While serving there he was awarded four Air Medals for Valor, submitted for a Bronze Star for a ground action and was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross. After returning from Vietnam his love for flying led him to apply to and be hired by American Airlines as a pilot. He retired after 28 years with American Airlines as a Boeing 767 Captain. He was preceded in passing by his wife of 45 years, Tharon "Tommye" Steele; parents Clarance and Vicie Steele; sisters Billie Gordon and Nancy Salis. He leaves behind three children, Jim Steele and wife Pat, Shirley Stephenson and husband James, and Jackie Steele. Grandchildren Lisa Worthington, Bobby Steele, Anthony Steele and Raven Steele. Great-grandchildren Chance, Carter, Ryan, Ava, Makenzie, Grace and Christopher, Beloved and constant companion of 11 years Mary Warren, as well as his "favorite child" Shih Tzu Princess Jasmine.
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