John K. Steele

Johnny Keith Steele, 72, of La Junta passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center. He was born July 18, 1939 in Midland, Michigan to Edward & Esta (Shriver) Steele. He married Carla Luft in June of 1961. He later married Betty Chronister on April 11, 1980.
 
He attended grade school Greendale County School in Midland, Michigan. He graduated from Sterling High School in 1958. He then graduated from the University of Denver in 1962. Johnny worked as a CPA in Sterling until 1972 where he opened his own office in Sterling. He moved to La Junta in 1980 where he opened his own business Johnny K. Steele Management Company where he provided accountant and management services throughout the La Junta and Swink area until retiring in 2004. He also was a member of the La Junta Elk’s Lodge.
 
Johnny is survived by his wife, Betty of the La Junta home; son Greg (Christy) Steele of Longmont, CO; granddaughter, Jennifer Brickley; and great-granddaughter, Molly Elizabeth Brickley Hornbaker; son, Kenton (Jean) Steele of Vallejo, California; grandson, Matthew Steele; sister, Shirley (Gary) Snare of North Platte, Nebraska; step sons Mike (Teresa) Chronister of La Junta; and John Chronister of Brighton, CO; step grandchildren, Chris Chronister of Brighton, CO; and Jerry (Nikki) Chronister of Aurora, CO; great-granddaughter Ivy Don Chronister. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ben Steele.
 
A Celebration of life will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at the La Junta Elk’s Lodge #701.
 


Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the La Junta Elks Lodge #701, 119 Colorado Avenue, La Junta, CO, 81050, Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center, 1200 Carson Avenue, La Junta, CO, 81050 or the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO, 80919 direct or through the funeral home.