Waddell Steele

Waddell C. Steele III was born on April 15, 1942 into a large and loving family where he was affectionately called “Baby Waddell”. His parents, Waddell and Lillian Ricks Steele, moved with their growing family to Chicago, Illinois in 1944. Waddell was raised in and baptized at the Michigan Avenue Church of Christ. He was educated in the Chicago Public Schools at Dewey Elementary and Tilden Technical High School. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Roosevelt University in 1965.
He began his career at International Minerals and Chemicals (where he was given the nickname “Stainless”) and moved on to Borg Warner where he briefly relocated to Springfield, Illinois. Upon returning to Chicago, he was employed at CCB as a financial officer. He finished his career at Phoenix Closures.
During his childhood and adult life, he was a devoted fan of the Chicago White Sox and spent many happy hours going to games or watching them on television. He was devoted to his family and was always available to step in to facilitate the many gatherings and reunions.


Waddell was good with numbers and could be depended upon to make that money come out right. Although he was a quiet and humble man, he was well-known for his humor and always ready to lend a helping hand. As an active member of CYD, he held many offices and continued to use his skills as an accountant to assist in stretching a dollar. He believed in giving back to the community and preparing our youth for the future.


Waddell met the love of his life, Mary Ellen, late in life and they were married on March 13, 1992. He and Mary Ellen shared many interests and enjoyed doing things together and being with each other. He also enjoyed being a father to Chanel (Tanya), Mary Ellen’s daughter. Despite an ongoing serious illness that occurred during his later years, he and his wife persevered and faced life with faith and a positive attitude.
Waddell’s spirit left his earthly home on October 14, 2015. He was preceded in death by his father Waddell Steele Jr. and leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Mary Ellen Steele and a daughter, Chanel Ellison. His loving mother, Lillian Steele and four siblings, Beverly(Carl) Simpkins, Robert(Carol) Steele, LaJule (Phillip) Gant and Garry(Dollie) Steele. Five nieces Michele, Jenna, Joy, Kimberli , Lyndsay and two nephews Keagon and Adam. He will be truly missed by a host of family members and friends. These words are what Waddell would have wanted.