Ruble Steele

Visitation: Thursday, November 20, 2008 Layne Normandy Chapel Celebration of Life: Friday, November 21, 2008 10am San Francisco Temple COGIC Interment: Memorial Park Cemetery Mr. Ruble H. Steele, Jr. 1939-2008 The Elder Statesman What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others. -Pericles On Thursday, November 13, 2008, the revered eldest brother of the Steele family, Mr. Ruble H. Steele, Jr. went to be with the Lord. On April 24, 1939, Ruble H. Steele, Jr. was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the oldest of six children born to the blessed union of Elder Ruble H. Steele, Sr. and Lula Alice Steele. Both parents and his brother, Arnold R. Steele preceded him in death. Ruble is survived by his adoring wife Mrs. Roberta Steele, eight children and eleven grandchildren. Ruble’s children are Mrs. Robin Steele Starks (Leon), Mr. Ruble H. Steele, III, Mrs. Rosalind Wash (Darnell), Mr. Jacob Paeth, Mr. Jewitt Steele, Ms. Jennifer McClain, Ms. Jaime McClain and Ms. Kelly McClain. Ruble also leaves to cherish his memory his beloved brothers and sisters, Marlin R. Washington, Lynn C. Steele (Hilda), Marilyn S. Scott (Everett) and Marvin J. Steele, Sr. (Kathy); and his dear God Sister, Sister Gustavia Byrd. Father Ruble is the very definition of a great father. His strength, responsibility and commitment to his children has been unwavering. He has watched with great pride as his children attended prestigious universities; worked the fields of social services, medicine, nutrition, art, business, construction and law-enforcement. However, no matter what his children’s accomplishments, Ruble’s greatest goal has always been that his children grow-up to be good people and be there for each other. He was also a consistent and intricate part of his children's lives. Ruble and Roberta Ruble and Roberta met in early 1993 and were married later that year on October 2. They were an instant match and have been inseparable ever since. Their union brought together each of their children and created a family possessing a wonderful blend of humor, support and love. It was obvious to everyone that had the opportunity to spend time with Ruble and Roberta they were soul-mates and were passionately in love. They were not only husband and wife but best friends. They had a special connection that shined bright to everyone that knew them. They could frequently be found on the dance floor or at black tie events. You could often hear Roberta’s trademark laugh whenever Ruble was around. Their relationship epitomized the very definition of love. The power of their love has many examples of its strength. Roberta credits Ruble for the person she has grown to be with him, because he supported her in fulfilling her life’s dreams and goals. Their children’s success and maturation are mere examples. Song for His Father – “Only Believe” The Steele family were proud members of the Church of God in Christ community. Ruble's mother and father founded Steele Temple C.O.G.I.C located in Detroit, Michigan in 1942. Later, they moved the family back to St. Louis and soon established the church that would become their trademark. The white stone church on the corner of Washington and Sarah was established as Steele Temple C.O.G.I.C. As the eldest son, Ruble quickly became the backbone of the effort. However, Ruble's true spiritual calling came in the form of a gift he would become known for. It is said that Ruble one day without benefit of a lesson or the knowledge of reading music stepped to a piano in the church and made music. He had a natural ability for gospel music; he became the organist for his father's church and still played in churches until his passing. His gift also included a voice his mother called angelic. The song he most loved to perform and the one his father most loved to hear was "Only Believe". It was a song for his father. Ruble has been playing and singing "Only Believe" to spiritually moved listeners all of his life. It is hard to describe how Ruble's music sounded; it could reach and move the most tired soul that heard it. Mom, Dad, Brothers and Sisters- A special bond "Uncle" Ruble as he was called affectionately by his faithful following of nieces and nephews was defined by his close relationship with his family. He was the eldest son of six to Ruble, Sr. and Lula Alice. He was always there for his brothers and sisters. They looked to him in moments of challenges and their individual endeavors. He supported them as they grew and achieved. They in return took pride in his activities. His brothers, Lynn C. Steele, Arnold Steele and Marvin J. Steele, Sr. all looked up to their eldest family member. They wore his uniforms and attempted to duplicate his legendary toughness and bravado. For sisters Marlin Washington and Marilyn Scott he was simply their rock of influence and support. He and his siblings were inseparable. They banded together as they were guided by their parents many endeavors that included stewarding churches, managing property and launching out on entrepreneurial efforts. Public Service Ruble had a tremendous commitment to his community and country. He served his country as a reserve member of the United States Marine Corps. He served his community through his career as a Policeman. He gave twenty-five years of service with the City of St. Louis Police Department and retired from the St. Louis Lambert Airport Police Department. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and was recognized with numerous citations for service and bravery throughout his career. As an Airport Police Officer he was responsible for many important cases and duties. He was in charge of security when many celebrities and Presidents traveled to St. Louis; including former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. He was always called to serve others. In 2002 he answered that call and made a strong and respected bid for the Missouri State Senate. He fell short, but ran a campaign with class and integrity. Ruble also worked with his brothers on many St. Louis landmark construction projects including the St. Louis Chapter Kappa House Facility, the Edward Jones Dome and the 1st Baptist Church of Chesterfield. Family Historian-Traveling through History Ruble loved and took great pride in his family and their achievements. He loved learning about the Steele family and discovering new Steele’s in places near and far. He was his family’s historian and had a great knowledge about Steele’s all over the country. He became for many a central hub of information and knowledge about the Steele family history. He kept up with family members both old and young and they stayed connected to Uncle Ruble. He loved to be around the Steele’s. Whenever there was a gathering of Steele's, Ruble would be there. He traveled to places like Mississippi, Indiana, Michigan and Tennessee. He loved being amongst his family, learning about them and celebrating their lives. Sergeant at Arms Ruble had an unwavering commitment and pride in his family. He was the family’s protector and defender which fit his personality perfectly. Whenever there was a family member or friend in need, Ruble, like his days on the force, was the first on the scene and through the door. He offered strength, love and quiet counsel. Legacy Although Ruble's legion of admirers and friends would note his many great achievements in his bountiful life, what most likely will be remembered about Ruble was his tremendous commitment and love for his family and friends. He had many life-long friends who always had an open door to Ruble's home no matter how many seasons had passed. He never wavered in support of his family. He was always there in every way and in every matter with strength, counsel and love. He was the definition of leader, father and statesman. Ruble will be missed by all who knew him.