Paul Wesley Steele finished the “race marked out for him” on Friday, May 22, 2026, at his home in Chillicothe. He was 86 years old. A Beloved Husband, proud Father and Grandfather, Paul’s most treasured legacies centered on family, both present and past, his lifelong farming profession, his leadership within the University of Missouri and numerous agriculture organizations, and his quiet, often anonymous, generosity towards individuals and organizations.

Paul was born February 27, 1940, in Chillicothe, Missouri to the late Francis and Esther Steele. He attended elementary and high school in Chillicothe and graduated from the University of Missouri with a Business Degree. Paul married Janice Kimes December 17, 1960, and for a short time they lived in Alton, Illinois before returning to Chillicothe.

Surviving from this union are their children Randy Steele (Lisa, and Grandson Carson), Chillicothe, and Emily Schneider (Michael, and Grandchildren Wesley, Emma, Will, Cole), Lees Summit, Missouri.

Paul and Betty Preston married February 28, 2004, at the Chillicothe United Methodist Church. Throughout their marriage they shared a deep love for each other and a devoted commitment to their church and the Chillicothe community.

When Paul married Betty he became the proud father of her children, Joe Preston (Marcia and Grandchildren Emily and Joey), Republic, Missouri, and Jason Preston, Nashville, Tennessee.

Also surviving are foster daughters and their families: Jeniece Coles (Greg, and their children Daniel (Sarah Jo) and Jamie), Long Beach, California, and Deniece Ackerman and her family (Peyton Assel, children Parker and Wes; and Jack (Lauren) Ackerman, son Archie), Smithville; brother John Steele, Springfield, Virginia, and sister Ruth Ann Steele, Chillicothe; nephews David Hoel (Stephanie, and their children Nathan (Chloe) and Dan); and Stephen Hoel (Heather).

Paul proudly noted that he was the fifth generation of the Steele Family to farm south of Chillicothe.
His dedication to outstanding land stewardship and farming practices was reflected in his beautiful crops, fine cattle herd and meticulous care for every acre of land he farmed, even the always-mowed right-of-ways bordering his property.

Paul’s most treasured friend and Farm Manager, Keith Ware, worked alongside him for 40 years and preceded him in death in 2016.

Paul was a leader. Throughout his life he received numerous honors and agriculture awards including DuPont Classic Farmer, featured in nationally televised commercials; Missouri State Jaycees Outstanding Young Farmer; Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Agriculture Award; American Royal Missouri Farm Family Award; Progressive Farmer Man of the Year; Chillicothe Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award; Missouri Soybean Association Standard of Excellence Recipient and Quality Contest Award; and the University of Missouri College of Education Honorary Alumni Award.

He was deeply committed to the community and served15 years on the Chillicothe R-II Board of Education, several times as chairman; He also served as Fund Development Chair to build Litton Ag-Science Center; and Building Chairman for the Chillicothe United Methodist Christian Life Center. Paul served on the Chillicothe State Bank board and chaired the Crabtree Foundation from its inception, supporting students pursuing healthcare and agricultural higher education.

Paul loved the University of Missouri. As both a student and alumnus, he was a recognized leader within Theta House, Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. He served on several University committees and was appointed to the University of Missouri Board of Curators, serving 1997 to 2003. During his tenure he forged strong relationships with leaders in government and education and was respected for his quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and remarkable ability to bring people together.

Paul met Missouri Governors, several United States presidents and other national leaders. He shared the stage with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Cape Town, South Africa. Whether speaking with Colin Powell or his neighboring farmers, he was known for his gracious humility, dependable leadership, and genuine respect for others.

Paul was an advocate. He found great fulfillment in helping others reach their potential. Whether through scholarships or private gifts to nursing or agriculture students, he quietly invested in the futures of countless individuals. With compassion and generosity, he helped shape futures of promise, often without recognition and many times without the recipients ever knowing the identity of their benefactor.

He will be remembered for the meaningful ways he gave his time, energy and resources to causes he cared about, for his goodness, deep faith, Christian values, and his steadfast love for his family and friends. His legacy will continue to inspire all whose privilege it was to know him.

One of Paul’s favorite ways of recognizing outstanding leadership in Chillicothe R-II School District was through the STELLAR (Steele Leadership And Recognition) Awards. Paul and Betty established and funded this annual award through the Chillicothe Education Foundation to honor exceptional classrooms and teachers.

Funeral services will be held at the United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. A scheduled visitation will be held at the United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. The register book will be available to sign at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 12 noon until 5:00 p.m. Burial will be held at Avalon Cemetery, Avalon, Missouri. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the STELLAR (Steele Leadership and Recognition) Fund through the Chillicothe Education Foundation and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.