of Hughes, AR
March 25, 1950 - June 30, 2024
Vester Louis Steele, 74, of Hughes passed away Sunday, June 30, 2024 at his home in Hughes, Arkansas. Vester was born on March 25, 1950 in Lee County, Arkansas to Ruth Doris Spears and Vester Steele. He was a retired used car salesman and a man of many talents and work ethics (honestly there was nothing that he could not do). In early years Vester loved to race cars which he did for several years at Riverside Speedway in West Memphis, Arkansas, where he was best known as ''Foots''. He later enjoyed watching and being the pit crew to his son, Cody Steele, during his race years, but his best years were when he was called Papaw.
Vester was an active member of his community of Hughes where he lived his entire life and advocated for his town. Over the years Vester was part owner and/or owner of several successful businesses within his community, from Jackson's Used Cars (with Mr. Wayne Beene), NAPA S&D Auto Parts Store (with the late Mr. Johnny Davidson), S&S Grocery (with his wife, Jackie Steele) and later he came out of retirement for a few years to work for Mr. Jimmy Thomas and Kevin Thomas, then owners of Jackson's Used Cars. Vester served on the Hughes Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years as well as he served as an Alderman on the City Council for four years. He later served as a Constable for approximately six years and even when he was not on the council board, he was always present at most town meetings to speak on what was in the best interest for his town. He loved the people of Hughes as much as he did his family members.
Vester was one who never met a stranger and he loved to talk to people everywhere he went, more especially to tell his jokes or make you laugh with his comical humor; one of the best parts of him that he shared with his son, John Steele. Vester loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and his family in general, and he was always ready when his wife, Jackie planned a spontaneous (but well planned out) trip. Vester owned MANY Corvettes during his lifetime and loved to participate in car shows near and far like annual trips to Bowling Green, Kentucky for the Corvette Homecoming, to Biloxi, Mississippi to Cruising the Coast and to the annual Sam's Town Car Show in Tunica, Mississippi. Vester shared this passion on a few memorable trips together with his sons, Joseph Steele and Cody Steele.
Vester is survived by his wife of 39 plus years, Jackie Steele; one daughter, Amy Dee Freeman (William); three sons, Joseph Steele, John Steele and Cody Steele (Felicia); nine grandchildren, Wesley Steele, Caliana Freeman, Tyler Smalling, Olivia Ellis, Logan Smalling (Savannah), Meredith Ellis, Landon Steele, Brody Steele and Emily Smalling; one great granddaughter, Freya Rae Smalling; one brother, Gary Steele; two sisters, Deborah Feltman (David) and Diana Allison (Bobby) and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
Vester was preceded in death by his father, Vester Steele; his mother, Ruth Griggs Worthington; two stepfathers, Ed Griggs (who was much more than a stepfather) and Harold Worthington; three special stepbrothers, John Griggs, Sammy Griggs and Marvin Griggs and one special stepsister, Margaret Ann LaPradd.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any contributions to be given to your local animal shelter in his honor. Vester's love for animals, especially his four-legged (favorite) children, Mickey and Sambo, was ineffable.
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23 Condolence(s)
Karen (Waller) Stewart
Friday, July 12, 2024
Diana & Deborah, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you & your families. Karen Waller Stewart
Nancy Beggs
Monday, July 8, 2024
This was one of the kindest men I knew, He always went out of his way to help anyone. Was always there to help and support his family. He will be missed Prayers for the family
Lynaugh
Monday, July 8, 2024
Y’all are in our prayers vester was a wonderful man!
Bette Clark
Monday, July 8, 2024
To the family of Vester Steele, a long time friend to our family, I send my condolences and prayers that you will find comfort as you deal with the loss of your loved one. I will always remember his infectious smile and his willingness to help anyone in need. May he now Rest In Peace.
Reyes Lozano
Sunday, July 7, 2024
Sending condolences to Amy and the family on the passing of a wonderful man. May God‘s blessings, fall and strengthen you as you go through these waters on this journey. Sending much love.
Lee and Annette Tolleson
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Jackie and Family
We are so sorry for the loss of Vester. He was a good man and friend. He is definitely gonna be missed. Prayers for the family, love you guys....Vester fly high my friend
Niki and Cathie
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Prayers for family
Danny and Melinda Beggs
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Danny and Vester were good friends for more than 50 years. They did alot together and helped each other in many ways. I'm sure Danny feels like he is losing a brother. Prayers for Jackie and family. Love y'all!
Leon presley
Friday, July 5, 2024
This man taught me how to build a house at a young age when he was rebuilding the old farm house next to us inside Hughes. Will never forget the day me him an my dad were on midway during a wind storm and we flipped the boat. The memories are endless and he will be missed by all! Mrs. Jackie, Amy John joy and Cody y’all all hold a spot in my heart and in my memories. Love yall all! Deepest condolences and prayers for the road ahead. “Lepopi”
Patricia A Allman
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Prayers for the family.
Lan Burch
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Hughes will miss the entrepreneurial drive of Vester and his wife Jackie-what a great team and example!
I reflect on the car lot where he had a huge hog as a guard dog. The only
Problem with this setup was that you had to know the secret of passage…it involved holding a Pepsi Cola and and letting the hog drink the bottle of Pepsi.
It had to be a Pepsi or the hog would attack!
RIP Vester Louis Steele …. Lan Burch, Hot Springs, Ar.
Bryan Layne Dunlap
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Have known Vester since grade school. Was always a great guy and loads of fun to be around. Will be missed greatly by the many friends he made over the years.. Prayers for all of the family and may you rest in Peace old Friend.
Jearl & Debbie Cromeans
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Our deepest sympathy for Jackie & all the family. Vester was a great person and will definitely be missed.
Willard and Betty Cromeans
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Prayers for the family, Vester will be missed.
Kristy Simmons
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Diana and Deborah just wanted to say how very sorry I am for vesters passing I will be praying for everyone in the family I love you both very much Jackie I'm praying for you to
Terry and Debbie Sanders
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Leiona Brazeal
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Jackie, all your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Praying God gives you all strength and comfort during this time and your loss. I love you all my Hughes family.
Mary Allison
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
I’m so terrible sorry for your lose.
Roger
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
I remember vester from when he raced at riverside he was a good guy and always very friendly prayers to his family
Rhonda Glasper Troup
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Jeanna Boydston
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
RIP my friend. You are a light in my life that will be sorely missed. Prayers for your family. God is laughing at your jokes already! Love ya!
Michael & Linda Adkison
Monday, July 1, 2024
We knew Vester for many, many years. He was a very good friend and we have many good memories of our times together. We send our heart felt sympathies to Jackie, Cody, Amy, John and Joey and his many other family members.
Sheila Lence
Monday, July 1, 2024
Vester Louis was always so kind to me when I was a little girl. He and his wife would let all the neighborhood children come play in his backyard with his dog. They would babysit me when my mother had no one else to call, and I ate supper with them many times. Prayers and sympathy to the family.