Thomas Craig Steele

Thomas Craig Steele (November 23, 1952 - March 12, 2024)

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Thomas Craig Steele, affectionately known as Craig, who left us peacefully on March 12, 2024, at the age of 71. Born on November 23, 1952, in Great Falls, Montana, to Thomas and Helene (Anderson) Steele, Craig's journey was one marked by love, laughter, and a remarkable legacy.

A stellar athlete, Craig shone as a star forward in basketball, leading his school to numerous state championships. After graduating from Glendale Union High School in 1970, he pursued his passion for basketball at the College of Eastern Utah in Price, living with his beloved grandparents, Rhea and Eugene Anderson. His path eventually led him back to Arizona, where he met his future wife, Karen Sue Steele.

Craig's professional life was as distinguished as his athletic one. Starting as a carpenter at Schuck and Sons Construction in 1972, his dedication and vision saw him rise through the ranks to become President and CEO. Under his leadership, the company expanded significantly, impacting the construction industry through his involvement with numerous associations and councils.

Craig's love for the outdoors and his heritage drew him back to Utah yearly to cherish his grandparents' original homestead in Nine Mile Canyon/Minnie Maud. An avid outdoorsman, Craig enjoyed hunting and fishing with an annual salmon excursion to Canada, sharing these adventures with his wife, Karen, and their friends.

Together, Craig and Karen nurtured a shared passion for horses, evolving from simple ranching and team roping in Wyoming to raising award-winning APHA and AQHA horses in Arizona. Their commitment to excellence in equine sports was evident through their support and leadership within the Northern Arizona Cutting Horse club.

Preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Steele and Helene (Anderson) Majors, and his beloved wife of 50 years, Karen Steele, Craig leaves behind a legacy of warmth, generosity, and spirit. Mourning his loss yet celebrating his profound impact are his brother Eugene Steele, sister Susan Markley, daughters Dawn (Rick) Alford and Amber (Benjay) Cates-Anderson, grandchildren Nathaniel Cates, Tyler Anderson, Raylei Anderson, Melissa (Richard) Jahn, Richard “Richie” (Ashley) Alford, five great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A celebration of Craig's life will be held at [Location], [Date and Time]. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Craig's memory to Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Craig's legacy is a tapestry of love, laughter, and enduring influence. He will be dearly missed but forever remembered and cherished in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him.