John Ellis 'Johnny' Steele

John Ellis "Johnny" Steele, a longtime resident of Clyde, Texas, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Bailey Howard Funeral Home Chapel with his grandson, Aaron Martinez officiating. Burial followed in Elmwood Memorial Park in Abilene. 
Johnny was born June 21, 1943, in Abilene, Texas, at Hendrick Memorial Hospital to John Elvin and Opal Marie Jernigan Steele. He spent his early years on Beech Street in Abilene before the family moved to Clyde in 1955.
Johnny attended Clyde Public Schools where he was a member of the math team and active in Future Farmers of America. While raising pigs through FFA, he earned the nickname "Pig Iron". He became a certified Lone Star Farmer, beginning a family tradition that has continued for two more generations. He later served as President of the Callahan County Livestock Association in the late 1990's.
After graduating from Clyde High School in 1961, Johnny attended business school in Fort Worth and worked for Pangburn Chocolates before beginning a lengthy career in the printing industry.
Johnny worked for ITEK as a printing press repairman, traveling throughout Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. He later worked as a pressman at Spears Printing in Abilene. In the 1970's, he returned to Clyde permanently.
Johnny and his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Shoemakeer Steele, started Steele Graphics on Pine Street in Abilene, selling printing parts and repairing equipment. In 1980, they moved the business to Clyde where it grew into Steele Industries. Johnny designed and manufactured his own business card slitter and later redesigned and manufactured thermography machines while continuing his printing and repair work.
Johnny also had a lifelong love of gardening. As his garden grew larger and produced more than his family could preserve or give away, he began selling produce at the Abilene Farmer's Market where he served as President for several years. After giving up gardening in his late seventies, he focused his energy on his honey business.
Johnny married Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Shoemaker on February 13, 1971, in Clyde. Each brought two daughters into the marriage and together they welcomed two more daughters, creating a true "yours, mine, and ours" family.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, John Elvin and Opal Marie Steele; his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Steele; and his daughter, Angela Steele Martinez.
He is survived by his daughters, Robin and Billy Dezern of Clyde, Texas; Donna and Eddie Graham of Eula, Texas; Rhonda and Jay Woodard of Clyde, Texas; Jennifer and Jason Fanning of Clyde, Texas; and Stephanie Bell of Irving, Texas.
He is also survived by his grandchildren. Nikki and Lisa Graham, Misti Graham, Cody Dezern, Aaron and Brianna Martinez, Laci Graham, Brooke and Evany Cervantes, Ashley and Anthony Terrell, Rebecca Woodard, Michael and Ashlynn Woodard, John-Brennan Reed, Mason Bell, Jacob Bell, Callie Fanning, and John Fanning; twelve great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Johnny is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Tony and Judy Steele, of Rowden, Texas; sister-in-law, Lona Mae "Tootsie" Johnson of Sykesville, Maryland; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Johnny and Chyrl Shoemaker of Conroe, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.
Grandson, Aaron Martinez will be officiating the service. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Cody Dezern, Aaron Martinez, Michael Woodard, John-Brennan Reed, nephew Bill Steele, and grandson-in-law Anthony Terrell. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons Mason and Jacob Bell. Johnny will be remembered for his hard work, ingenuity, love of family, and dedication to his community. His legacy lives on through the family he loved, the traditions he passed down, and the many friendships he made throughout his life.
Those wishing to honor Johnny's memory may donate to the Clyde Fire Department or Hendrick Hospice.
Online condolences may be made at https://www.bailey-howardfuneralhome.com.