John M. Steelman

John Marion Steelman, 89, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri peacefully passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024, at KC Hospice House.

Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 2, 2024, at Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 South Second Street Odessa, Missouri 64076. Funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Tabor Cemetery. 

John was born November 2, 1935, Odessa, Missouri to Arthur E. and Beulah (Yancey) Steelman, Sr., the youngest of their five sons. In 1953, he graduated from Odessa High School and moved to Kansas City to apprentice as a carmen for the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1955, he enlisted in the United States Army. He served for two years in the Third Armored Division (Spearhead) out of Fort Knox, KY, including several months of maneuvers in Germany. He then transferred to the Army Reserves, serving until 1963. During this time, he continued with Union Pacific, attaining his Journeyman certification in 1960. However, his gift of connecting with people suited him for a successful career in sales. In 1961, he joined the sales force of Modern American Life Insurance Company. In the late 1960’s through early 70’s, he co-owned Plaza Discount Records in Warrensburg, Missouri while beginning a nearly 30-year employment with ACIIE (AAA) selling auto and home insurance in their Independence, Missouri office. He retired in 1999. 

John was united in marriage on December 31, 1955, to Jane (Hobbs) Steelman. He worked diligently to provide well for his family while demonstrating exemplary integrity and trust. He was quick to share his unique sense of humor, a story, or a cup of coffee. He and Jane enjoyed a very devoted relationship for over 60 years of marriage. In retirement, they spent time maintaining their gardens, browsing antique stores, or just reading side by side.

John is survived by a daughter, Elaine (Jon) Raymond, of Lees’s Summit, Missouri; a son, Mark Steelman, of Deepwater, Missouri; and a son-in-law, Joe Wyatt, of Raytown, Missouri; seven grandchildren and their spouses, fourteen great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jane, on March 8, 2016; a daughter, Karen Wyatt; a daughter-in-law, Shirley Steelman; a grandson, Brendon Fisher; a step-grandson, Joshua Donnelly, and John’s four brothers, Arthur Steelman, Jr., Gordon Steelman, Jeff Steelman, and Roger Steelman.

Memorials are suggested to Mt. Tabor Cemetery Association. Memories of John and condolences for his family may be posted at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on their Facebook Page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 South Second Street, Odessa, Missouri 64076, 816-633-5524.