Elbert Elen Steele

Elbert Elen Steele, age 78, of Dandridge TN, formerly of Chattaroy WV, passed away Tuesday, April 2 ,2024 after a brief battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the people who loved him most in this world as he left this earthly home and entered the gates of heaven. Ed was born April 10, 1945 to Lucy and James Steele of Chattaroy, WV. He is preceded in death by his parents, his beautiful wife of 50 years who was the love of his life, Nocha Sue; Brothers, William (Loretta) Steele, Lorenzo (Carol) Steele and James (Geri) Steele; Sisters, Vonceal (Gene) Triplet, Ella (Toby) Norman, Della Jean (Garland) Chapman, and an infant sister Rebecca. He is survived by a wife of 7 years, Sylvia Nicinsky Donahoe, who brought him much happiness during the last years of his life; two loving Daughters, Sheena (Jeffrey) Varney of Delbarton,WV, and Kimberly (Timothy) Starr of Dandridge, TN; a Stepson, TJ  (Ronda) George of Middleton, OH and their children Daniel, Carrisa and Caroline. Ed’s Grandchildren who affectionately called him “Papaw” Heather Varney, Jeffrey (Keisha) Varney, Timothy (Hayden) Starr, Joshua (Tabitha) Starr, Gideon Starr, Jonathan (Miranda) Varney and William (Sydney) Varney. Great grandchildren James, Ethan, Alaina, Jacob, Eli, Bryson, Alexis, Emma, Hayes, Khloe, Skye, Elliot, Jaden, Kailey, Landon, Luke, Thea, Heidi, Dawcyn, Daccyn and Nocha Sue. Two special nephews who were raised as brothers, Mike Estepp and Ronnie (Tammy) Estepp, and a host of nieces and nephews. Ed grew up in Chattaroy WV. He was a Vietnam Veteran, of which he took great pride.  He was a retired Coal Miner, having worked in the mines for over 50 years. He was an electrician and was well known for being able to fix anything. He was sometimes known by his nickname “Crazy Ed” supported by a number of stories through his years and his almost famous brown Jeep. He was a member of the Free Masons and an active Supporter of the Shriners club, helping many children have access to advanced Medical Care. If you knew Ed, you knew what a Great Fisherman he was. A majority of his life was spent on Douglas Lake. His knowledge on fishing was endless and so many memories were made with his family on a boat catching fish. He always had a smile on his face , usually a Cigarette on his lip and a “hey Bud” to greet you. He never met a stranger and easily made friends any where he went. He will be forever lovingly missed. He told his Grandson just days before his death, “man, I’ve lived a crazy life” and that he did. At his request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you make a Donation in his name to any of your local Shriner’s organizations or any of your local Veteran’s associations.