Edward Joel Steele

CARPENDALE, WV — Edward Joel Steele, 78, of Carpendale, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born June 14, 1947, in Frostburg, MD, at Miners Hospital, he was the son of the late Ralph A. Steele and Effie M. Howell. He was also preceded in death by an infant brother, John J. Steele.

Mr. Steele is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rebecca Sue Burnsworth Steele; his sister, Virginia Ganoe, and husband Jim; and his sister-in-law, Amy Shillingburg. He is also survived by his three children: David Steele and wife Martha, Carpendale, WV; Wendie Redding and husband Todd, Fuquay-Varina, NC; and Melanie Morris and husband Johnny, Cumberland, MD. His grandchildren include Scott Steele and wife Alexis Cumberland, MD; Mathew Rummer and wife Melana, Peyton, CO; Charles Steele, Morgantown, WV; Dillon Redding and wife Lauren, Fuquay-Varina, NC; Hailey Johnson and husband Austin, Fuquay-Varina, NC; Savannah Lavallee and husband Richard, Summerville, SC; and Marlia Morris, Cumberland, MD. He was blessed with many great-grandchildren: Nathan Jara and Scarlet Rummer, Peyton, CO; Sienna, Soren, and Amelia Steele, Cumberland, MD; Abigail, Ellie, Kate, and Ruth Redding, Fuquay-Varina, NC; and Hattie, Harper, and Hudson Johnson, Fuquay-Varina, NC. Several nephews and a niece also survive him.

Mr. Steele was a 1965 graduate of Beall High School, having enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves prior to graduation. He later attended Frostburg State College before joining the U.S. Navy full-time in 1966, proudly serving aboard the USS Shangri-La. After returning home in 1969, he worked briefly for CW Wright Construction before beginning his career with the Western Maryland Railroad, retiring from CSX in Jacksonville, FL, in 2007. A lifelong member of the First Congregational Church in Frostburg, MD, he volunteered in many capacities over the years. He was also a member of Ridgeley American Legion Post 136 and a former member of the Western Maryland Railway Historical Society. He enjoyed reading, gardening, playing trivia, Maryland Terps basketball, and especially spending time with his family. Ed also cherished the many dogs he had throughout his life, including Brandy, Molly, Hazel, and his most recent companion, Morgan.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to WVU Hospice for their kind and compassionate care in recent weeks.

Friends will be received at Sowers Funeral Home, Frostburg, MD on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday  at 11 a.m. with Pastor Harry Copen officiating. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens in LaVale, MD.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed’s honor to WVU Hospice Keyser WV , or the First Congregational Church in Frostburg, MD.