Matthew Christopher Steele

Matthew Christopher Steele, 31, passed away Saturday, June 5, 2010, at his home. He was born Jan. 25, 1979, in Paragould. He was a 1997 graduate of Trumann High School, where he was a standout football player for the Trumann Wildcats and a graduate of ASU Technical College at Marked Tree. Matt served with the Arkansas National Guard Engineering Battalion at Paragould and worked at Bilco in Trumann. Matt was a devoted father, weight lifting enthusiast and an animal lover. He was an active member of the First Christian Church in Trumann.

Matt is survived by his companion, Ashley Wright; his son, Cayden Steele both of the home; his parents, Jim Steele of Monette and Cindy and Steve Baldridge of Leachville; his grandmother, Virginia Miller of Monette; three brothers, David Steele and wife Crystal of Monette, Scott Steele of Little Rock and Joe Steele of Jonesboro; a sister, Stephanie Baldridge of Leachville; a nephew, Evan Steele of Monette; many aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, J.D. and Mildred Steele and Robert "Bob" Miller.

A celebration of his life was held on Friday, June 11, 2010, at 10 a.m. at the Monette First Baptist Church with Rev. Leonard Harp and Dustin Finch officiating. Burial will follow in Monette Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Gregg Funeral Home of Monette.

Visitation was Thursday, June 10, 2010, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Monette First Baptist Church.

Honored to serve as pallbearers were Patrick Patterson, Jay Deford, Trumaine Worthing, Kevin Guiltner, Scott Steele and Joe Steele and as honorary pallbearers Blake Wright, Tannor Miles, Steve Hendrix, Mark McIntire, Wyatt Kinley, and the Deacons of the Monette First Baptist Church.

Lasting memorials may be given to a scholarship trust fund for Cayden, Cayden Steele Scholarship Fund, c/o Liberty Bank, P.O. Box 750, Monette, AR 72447.