Willie David Steele

Willie D. Steele, 74, died August 8, 2011 at the Merrimack Community Hospice House in Merrimack following a long illness.

He was born in Leland, Mississippi on January 3, 1937 and was the son of Willie and Oria (Cotton) Steele.

He was educated in local Mississippi schools and later graduated from the Nathaniel Hawthorne Business College in 1981. He entered the US Army in 1956 and became an Army Medic. After his two tours in Vietnam, he began recruiting for the Army until his retirement from the service. He also worked 20 years for the United States Post Office and worked as a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Bailiff for over six years.

He was the President of the Amoskeag Lions Club, an active member of the Elks Club and a member of the First Baptist Church.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching all sports, playing cribbage and fishing. He was a loyal member of the VFW and the Sweeny Post, where he played in the pool league.

Members of his family include his beloved wife of 53 years Mary (Prince) Steele, two sons, David Steele of Manchester; Carl Steele of Bedford NH; two daughters, Oria Steele of Bedford; Jackie Steele Driscoll of Derry NH; 9 grandchildren, three sisters, Linda Carpenter, Gloria Harris both of Indiana; Caroline Joyner of Ohio and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visiting hours will take place at The Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory 1799 Elm Street, corner of north Street, on Wednesday from 4-7. Funeral services will be at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery Chapel on Thursday at 11am. Burial will follow in the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery 110 Daniel Webster Highway Boscawen New Hampshire.

In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his name to the Salvation Army Kids Cafe 121 Cedar St. Manchester, NH 03101 or to the American Diabetes Association 249 Canal St. Manchester, NH 03101