Brad and Nancy Steele died November 19, 2020, and November 20, 2020, respectfully, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center from COVID-19.
Brad, 81, was born August 26, 1939, in Hutchinson, to Gilbert and Luella ‘Lu’ (Thorp) Steele. He graduated from Hutchinson High School, and received his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University in 1962, after receiving a baseball scholarship. Brad retired from Buhler Unified School District 313 after 40+ years of teaching and coaching. He taught physical education to grade school and middle school students, in addition to coaching basketball and track. Brad was loved and highly respected by all of his students, athletes, and colleagues, and made a tremendous impact on their lives. He enjoyed playing golf and softball when younger. Brad’s passion was watching all sports year round, especially basketball and football. He LOVED his K-State Wildcats.
Nancy, 73, was born December 5, 1946, in Hutchinson, to Marty and Lois Shuman. She impacted hundreds and hundreds of children by running a home daycare and working at Sunflower Daycare for 50 years. While her own children were attending high school, she took a break from childcare to work downtown at Anthony’s Clothing Store. She was still caring for children until she became ill. Family, grandchildren, and her daycare children were what Nancy cherished.
Nancy and Brad welcomed each daycare child into their lives as if they were a part of their family. They became bonus grandparents to many daycare children, and were affectionately called ‘Nana’ and ‘Papa’, and were considered bonus parents to many as well.
On December 21, 1963, Bradley Kent Steele and Nancy Kay Shuman were married in Hutchinson. They shared almost 57 years of marriage.
Brad and Nancy are survived by: children, Chad Steele (Annette) of Hutchinson, Julee Vigil (Tim) of Colorado; grandchildren, Stephanie Vigil, Bradley Vigil, Danielle Steele, and Alexis Steele; and three great-grandchildren. In addition, Brad is survived by his three siblings, Stuart Steele (Julie), Marcy Schmidler (Curt), and Marc Steele (Lynda). Nancy is survived by three sisters, Pat Kerns, Barbara Welch and Phyllis Fowler. Both have dozens of nieces and nephews.
Brad and Nancy were preceded in death by: their parents; grandson, Nathaniel Steele; and three brothers-in-law, Bob Kerns, Ray Welch and Al Fowler.
Celebration of Brad and Nancy’s life will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 3, 2021, at Elliott Mortuary. Friends may sign their book from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary.
To view Brad and Nancy’s service online, the link will be available at the end of their obituary on Elliott Mortuary’s website the day of the service beginning at 9:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.