DL Capt. Kenneth Thomas Steele

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Kenneth Thomas Steele

July 18, 1940  -  December 19, 2024

 

From friends and family, we have learned of the passing of retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Kenneth Thomas Steele, age 84.  Ken joined Delta Air Lines 06-19-1970 and retired in 2000 based 030/ATL.  He is survived by his wife Debbie, and by his children and his grandchildren.

For those who may wish to send a personal note, I see the family’s address listed in whitepages as

220 Brittany Chase, Fayetteville, GA 30214.

 

PCN memorial site

https://www.mowells.com/obituaries/Kenneth-Thomas-Steele?obId=34165320

 

Kenneth Thomas Steele (Kenny) was born in Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania on July 18, 1940. His parents were William Robert Steele and Mary Regina (MacDonald) Steele. He was their fifth child, born into a very active household. Ken loved and excelled in baseball as a youngster. Living in the country, he enjoyed animals, crops and hunting. Ken graduated from West Chester Joint High School in 1958 but not before meeting Debbie Boyer, who eight years later would become his wife. He also met a lifelong friend, Phil Neff, there.

 

Ken attended college with the goal of flying airplanes. He worked diligently to achieve this goal.  He went to school for eight hours, worked for eight hours and slept for eight hours for several years. Ken majored in history and also completed a semester as a student teacher. He loved student teaching. The students called him “Mr. Iron.”

 

After graduating from college Ken joined the United States Navy. Ken and Debbie married on July 4th,1964. The newlyweds moved to Pensacola, Florida where Ken entered naval flight school. He then went to Corpus Christi, Texas for additional flight training. This training included landing a T-28 on an aircraft carrier which he later referred to as “the thrill of lifetime.”

 

Ken and Debbie moved to Patuxent River, Maryland as their first duty station. While there, they started their family. Their first son, Kent was born and was with them for five short weeks before passing away. David arrived nineteen months later and Kim joined the family fifteen months after that. Ken deployed during the Vietnam War and helped to protect the waters around Vietnam, piloting the P-3 aircraft. During his service, Ken earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze campaign stars.

 

In 1970 Ken made a slight change in his career. He accepted a job flying for Delta Airlines. This decision brought the joy of more family time and more flying time. In 1974 Ken and Debbie completed their family with another son, named Chris. In the following years Ken devoted his time to his God, his family and his community.

 

Ken was active in Sunday School and church at New Hope Baptist Church. He most recently helped with the creation of a Prayer Garden at New Hope’s North Campus. When his kids were young, Ken coached youth baseball and soccer. His children were always a priority. He was able to bid trips and coordinate his Delta work schedule so that he was always present in their lives, never missing any important events.

 

Ken’s love of country and community involvement placed him in several elected positions in local government even while still flying for Delta. He served as a Fayetteville City Councilman for one term and also as mayor of Fayetteville for three terms. Several of his contributions as mayor include the first traffic circle in Fayetteville, the land acquisition for Patriot’s Park, the amphitheater, and the trees lining Jeff Davis Avenue. While mayor, Ken was active in the Georgia Municipal Association and served as the President of GMA in 2010-2011.

 

Ken retired from Delta in 2000. This allowed Ken and Debbie to travel extensively for a number of years with wonderful friends and also on their own. Ken also had more time to play golf with dear friends and indulge more in reading, a favorite pastime.

 

Ken would tell you that the “icing on the cake” of life was being a grandfather. He loved being “Big Daddy” to Anna, Renzy, Mary Claire, Luke, Kathryn, Hayley and Hannah.

 

Ken met Jesus on December 19th, 2024 after several years of poor health and a strong fight to spend as much time as possible with his family.

 

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Debbie. His children: David (Tonya) Steele, Kim (Scott) Wilke, and Chris (Mary) Steele. His grandchildren: Anna Wilke, Renzy (Julia) Wilke, Mary Claire Steele, Luke Steele, Kathryn Steele, Hayley Steele, and Hannah Steele.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, and his first son.

 

A funeral service will be held Friday, January 3, 2025 in the Chapel of Mowell Funeral Home in Fayetteville with Pastor Hugh Kirby officiating at 1:00 PM.  Visitation will occur prior to the service from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the funeral home.  Ken will be laid to rest at New Hope Cemetery in Fayetteville.

 

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests honoring Ken through a donation in his memory to New Hope Baptist Church. Donations may also be made in Ken’s name to Semper Fi & America’s Fund.

 

We welcome you to provide your condolences, thoughts, and memories on our Tribute Wall.

Mowell Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fayetteville, www.mowells.com

 

https://thecitizen.com/2024/12/25/kenneth-thomas-steele-kenny-84/