Donald H. Steele, 91, of Bay City, Texas, passed away Monday, November 2, 2020. He was born on February 19, 1929, in San Antonio, Texas, to the late Joseph Franklin Miller and Margaret Leckie. He married Bessie Mae Halliburton on August 18, 1961, and they enjoyed forty-nine years of marriage. He loved Bess dearly, and exhibited remarkable dedication to her until her passing.

Don was an avid historian. He enjoyed studying American and Texas history, and was well versed in both! He also knew many details of the history of Matagorda County, especially the cemeteries located therein. He loved to tell the stories of riding horses as a young man, imagining he was a cowboy of the Wild West. He served four years in the military (United States Navy), and was discharged in 1952. He learned mechanical drafting, and began drawing plans for houses, which later led to a career drawing pipeline plans for refineries. This led him to work for Placid Oil Company, where he traveled worldwide, drawing plans, and supervising entire construction projects. He worked as a draftsman until his retirement.

For almost 30 years, Don and Bess lived in north Texas, where they went to church and made a positive influence on many lives. One of those was Rafe Gibson, whom Don taught drafting skills as a kid and was the reason that Rafe pursued a degree in Environmental Design.

Upon retiring and moving back to Bay City, Don and Bess began traveling across the United States, visiting many historical sites. They particularly enjoyed visiting the Native American reservations, where they developed a love for the turquoise jewelry crafted by the tribes.

Don was also a gun enthusiast and enjoyed talking guns and ammunition anytime he had an audience! In fact, anyone who mentioned history, guns and ammunition, or politics would need to prepare for a lengthy lesson with intricate details about any of these and other subjects.

Another of Don's hobbies was finding some "hole-in-the-wall" restaurant, and then inviting his friends to his new discovery. One of those friends had promised to go with him in the next week or so and try some delicious oysters he had just discovered—you know who you are, and you must still go try the oysters!

He is survived by his "family," the church members of the Lighthouse Church in West Columbia. Having no surviving siblings and no children, he considered the church members and others he had known in Bay City for years—as his family. The following individuals are also feeling this loss very deeply: Francisca Sanchez, Lori Campbell, Rafe Gibson, Rosie Beavers, Kaylan Johnson, Krysta Thompson, Terri Brister, Barbara Patterson, Rev. Craig Ashcraft, and the staff at Mi Tierra's Restaurant in Bay City; and his canine friend & constant companion Booger.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his loving wife, Bessie Mae Steele.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to his favorite charity, Tupelo Children's Mansion, PO Box 167, Tupelo, MS 38802 (https://mansionkids.org).