Johnny Steel

Memorial service for Johnny Steel, of Gillette will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, December 1, 2007 at Stevenson - Wilson Funeral Home, with Pastor Orvil Holden of the First Assembly of God Church officiating. Mr. Steel died on Saturday, November 24, 2007 at the Campbell County Memorial Hospital after a long illness.Johnny Ray Steel was born October 26, 1951 in Bartow, Florida to Paul and Pauline (Brown) Stanfill. He was raised and educated in Georgia and Alabama. On August 6, 1983 he married Rhoda Jesson on her parents' ranch near Livingston, Montana. The couple resided in Montana and North Dakota. In 1996 Johnny received his associate?s degree in electronics from NDSCS in Wahpeton, N.D. In 1999 he moved with his wife and kids to Gillette, Wyoming where Johnny worked for Powder River Transportation until he was no longer able due to his health. Johnny enjoyed the pleasures of a large family. He and Rhoda raised three sons together as well as several foster children and grandchildren all of whom consider him to be their own "Papa". Johnny loved to fish and camp with friends and family at Clitherall Lake, Minnesota. He was an accomplished artist creating many amazing paintings and sketches. Johnny was a lover of music whether he was playing his guitar or listening to country music. He is survived by his wife, Rhoda Steel of Gillette, Wyoming; sons: Nicholas Robert Jesson (Steel) of Livingston, Montana, Andrew Ray Steel of Gillette, Wyoming and Jason John Steel of Gillette, Wyoming; one grandson, Johnny Ray Lee Steel; foster daughter, Carrie Ward and her four children: Joseph, Dakota, Chasandra and Christopher Ward all of Gillette, Wyoming and many, many more foster children and grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters: Stacy Cole and Stella Stanfill; five brothers: David, Gaylon, Marlin, and Rick Stanfill all of Washington State and Glen Deaton of Canada. Johnny was preceded in death by his mother, father and adopted parents.Memorials and condolences can be sent in Johnny's name in care of Stevenson - Wilson Funeral Home, 210 W. 5th St., Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or via the internet at www.stevensonwilson.com.