Powell Funeral Home, Steele, MO

Powell Funeral Home, Steele, MO Leigh Ann Powell, Owner

When Caring Counts

11/19/2025

Services for 86 year old James Edwin Archer of Steele, Missouri will be held Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 12:00 pm Noon at Powell Funeral Home in Steele with Rev. Cecil Riley officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am and continue until service time. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Steele.

James Edwin Archer was born on September 8, 1939 in Holland, Missouri to Hubert Archer and Jerline Hensley Archer. He passed away at his residence in Steele, Missouri on November 17, 2025 at the age of 86.
He served his country in the U.S. Army and had been employed in Civil Service at the Blytheville Air Force Base in Blytheville, Arkansas. He later worked at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Steele.
He was preceded in death by his parents and:
Three brothers, his twin Claude Archer, Mervin Archer, and Larry Archer
One nephew, Brian Pierce
One great nephew, Allen Michael Pierce
Survivors include:
One sister, Brenda Pierce, of Senath, Missouri
Many nieces, nephews, and other relatives
Pam Kennedy, who was like a daughter to him and he was like her second daddy
And many friends

11/13/2025

Graveside services for 66 year old Richard DePriest of Steele, Missouri will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11:00 am at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Steele with Rev. John E. Dunavant officiating.


Richard Charles DePriest was born on October 16, 1959 in Hayti, Missouri to Louis DePriest and Emma Jean Mathis DePriest. He passed away on November 13, 2025 at Southgate Living Center in Caruthersville, Missouri at the age of 66.
He was a graduate of the South Pemiscot High School Class of 1977. He then attended Arkansas State University and graduated there with a degree in Agricultural Education in 1981.
Richard had been employed as a Lab Supervisor at Terra Chemical in Blytheville, Arkansas for about 20 years. He was later employed with RSC Equipment Rental in Blytheville for several years.
He was a fan of college basketball and football, which he enjoyed watching with friends, and also enjoyed being outdoors. He loved his pets, especially his Pomeranian, Cotton.
Richard was the grandson of the late Frank and Fannie DePriest of Steele, Missouri and the late Clarence and Sarah Mathis, also of Steele.
Richard was also preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Emma Jean DePriest of Steele.
He is survived by:
One brother, Raymond DePriest and his wife, Kathy, of Steele
One nephew, Justin DePriest and his wife, LeeAnn, of Charleston, South Carolina
One niece, Christy DePriest of Memphis, Tennessee
One uncle, Delbert DePriest and his wife, Bennie, of Steele, Missouri
Two great nephews, Jaxon and Noah DePriest, and one great niece, Claire DePriest, all of Charleston, South Carolina
Richard also leaves behind many cousins he was very close to and many other relatives and friends

11/01/2025

Services for 49 year old Anthony “Jason” “Pedro” Burton of Steele, Missouri will be held Monday, November 3, 2025 at 12:00 pm Noon at First Baptist Church, 222 S. Walnut St., in Steele with Rev. Chris Campbell officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am and continue until service time. A private burial will be held at Mt. Zion Cemetery.
Anthony “Jason” “Pedro” Burton was born on April 27, 1976 in Blytheville, Arkansas to Michael Burton and Judith “Judi” Powell Rhodes. He passed away on October 31, 2025 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri at the age of 49.
He had been employed as a farmer. He was a loving father and a jokester, and enjoyed camping trips to the river and riding the side by side.
He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents, Bobby Powell, Harry Burton, Jr., and Lahoma Burton.
Survivors include:
His mother, Judi Rhodes and her husband, Kelley, of Steele, Missouri
His children:
Ashlyn Hicks of Steele
Colton Britt of Biloxi, Mississippi
Zoe Britt of Steele
Four grandchildren:
Aiden Blanton, Mallory Blanton, Ellie Blanton, and Cohen Cravens
Two brothers:
Chad Burton and Nicholas Burton, both of Steele
His grandmother, Polly Powell, also of Steele
And many other relatives and friends

10/27/2025

Memorial services for 70 year old Kathy Sue Ensor Abbott of Steele, Missouri will be held Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 11:00 am at Powell Funeral Home in Steele with Rev. John E. Dunavant officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and continue until service time. Kathy Abbott passed away on October 25, 2025 at St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas.


Kathy Abbott
October 5, 1955 – October 25, 2025

Kathy Abbott, 70, of Steele, MO, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Kathy spent her life in service to those she loved. She was a lifelong caregiver, first to her three children, then to her aging parents, and finally to her beloved husband, James, during his final days. Her gentle hands and steadfast heart were a quiet source of strength for her family through every season of life.

Kathy was a homemaker in the truest sense of the word, not just keeping a house but creating a home. Every corner of it reflected her warmth and creativity, from the meals she lovingly prepared to the handmade crafts and decorations that filled her space with comfort and color. She had a knack for making ordinary days feel special, often with something she had made herself or a simple act of thoughtfulness.

She also had a soft spot for animals, especially her dogs, Willow and Jack, who were her constant companions and a great source of comfort and joy. Her love for them was another reflection of her gentle, nurturing spirit.

Her laugh was bright, distinct, and full of joy. It was the kind of laugh that could lift a room, the sound of someone who found delight in life’s small moments and shared it freely with others.

Kathy is preceded in death by her husband, James Abbott, and her parents, Jeannette and Herk Vandiver. She is survived by her children, Brian Abbott (Tori), Jason Abbott (Nicole) and Kris Uselton(Keith) and her cherished grandchildren, Gracie Abbott, Layla Abbott, Ava Uselton, and Shelby Uselton.

Kathy will be missed beyond words. Her love was not loud, but it was deep, shown in late-night talks, genuine acceptance, and a lifetime of showing up when it mattered most.

A memorial service will be held in her honor. In lieu of flowers, take a moment to check in on someone who has been quietly holding their family together.

10/23/2025

Services will be held at a later date for 78 year old David Ray Carter of Fisk, Missouri, who passed away on October 21, 2025 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.


David Ray Carter was born on September 18, 1947 in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas to Wilson Carter and Maudie Gladys Mattox Carter. He passed away on October 21, 2025 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri at the age of 78.

He served his country in the U.S. Air Force and had been employed in Safety Management with Mortenson Construction Company.

David will be remembered as a very loving and caring person who never met a stranger. He was a hard worker and could fix anything. He had a special fondness for Dr. Pepper and chocolate.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, John David Carter. Also preceding him in death were five sisters: Aileen Kapalas, Billie Ruth Nodine, Betty Housdan, Bobbie Anglin, and Jo Ann Taylor.

Survivors include:

One daughter:

Ashley Carter Adams of Fisk, Missouri

Two granddaughters:

Kilah Adams of Fisk, Missouri
Kaitlynn Richnow – Carter of Conroe, Texas

One great granddaughter:

Eliza Estrada of Conroe, Texas

And many other relatives and friends

10/22/2025

Memorial services for 79 year old Paula Sue Driskill will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Powell Funeral Home in Steele, Missouri with Rev. Donnie Riley officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon and continue until service time.


Paula Sue Hayes Driskill was born on October 14, 1946 in Memphis, Tennessee to Joseph Paul Hayes and Helen Louise Victory Hayes. She passed away on October 22, 2025 in Kennett, Missouri at the age of 79.

She had been employed as a Care Coordinator at FCC in Kennett before retirement. She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed geology and history and loved helping people.

She was united in marriage on December 27, 1964 in Luxora, Arkansas to Larry Driskill, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include:

Two daughters:

Vicki Riley and her husband, Todd, of Blytheville, Arkansas
Andrea Driskill of Kennett, Missouri

Two brothers:

Ron Hayes and his wife, Glenda, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas
Bill Hayes of Paragould, Arkansas

Four grandchildren:

Joseph Driskill
Jordan Riley and Laurie
Cassidy San Miguel and Jimmy
Jacob Riley

Five great grandchildren:

Peyton Driskill
Santiago San Miguel
Emileo San Miguel
Lilianna San Miguel
Liam Riley

And many other relatives and friends

10/16/2025

Memorial services for 85 year old Clara Gilbert of Steele, Missouri will be held Monday, October 20, 2025 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church, 222 South Walnut Street, Steele, Missouri with Rev. Chris Campbell officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and continue until service time. Clara Gilbert passed away on October 15, 2025 at her residence.

Clara Lorine Gilbert

October 13, 1940 - October 15,2025

Clara Lorine Gilbert, age 85, of Steele, Missouri, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She was born on October 13, 1940, in Manila, Arkansas, to the late William Harlion and Mary R. Sarter Farrow.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, George Thomas "Tommy" Gilbert; and her siblings, Billy Farrow, Bobbie Farrow, Brenda Hall, and Mary "Chee Chee" Quick.

On October 18, 1963, Clara married Tommy and together they built a beautiful life rooted in hard work, devotion, and a legacy of love that continues on. Their marriage was blessed with three daughters, Debbie Jones (Jon Jones), Tammy Doerschlen, and Nena Flanagan (Cole Flanagan), all of Steele, Missouri.

Clara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She found joy in life's simple pleasures - gardening, spending peaceful days at the lake, and fishing with those she loved most. She was also a talented seamstress for many years, known for her skill and creativity. Clara made countless pieces of clothing for her daughters as they grew up. and what began as a necessity became a beloved hobby. In later years, she continued her sewing for her grandchildren, with her favorite projects being the cozy pajamas she lovingly made for them.

Her happiest moments were those spent surrounded by her family, especially the holidays. She had a special gift for making each person feel valued and cherished. Every grandchild would say they were her favorite, and that was the beauty of her heart — her love knew no bounds. When asked what her dream for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren would be, she simply said,
"That they grow up and be successful in whatever they choose. "

Clara leaves behind a family who adored her and will carry her memory with them always.

Grandchildren: Amber Moore (Brian), Lauren Flanagan, Haley Hildreth (Zane), Jonna-Kaye Hoggard (Todd), Oaklie Doerschlen, Mollie Doerschlen, Ashlyn Goff (Chandler), Jennifer Hammock, and Lauren Jones.
Great-Grandchildren: Emma Clare Moore, John Elijah McIntyre, Jon-Thomas Lee Moore, Vivian Jane Hoggard, Kinslee Lane Hoggard, Billie Wen Hildreth, Lennon June Hoggard and Jalynn Hammock.

Clara will be remembered for her grace, her strength, and her unwavering love for her family.
Though she will be deeply missed, her loved ones take comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved Tommy, parents, and siblings while resting in the eternal peace of her Savior.
"Her children arise and call her blessed." - Proverbs 31:28

10/13/2025

Services for 73 year old Billy David Gray, Sr. of Steele, Missouri will be held Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 12:00 pm Noon at Faith Pentecostal Church in Holland, Missouri with Rev. Brenda Gray, Rev. James Riley, Rev. Cecil Riley, and Rev. Misty Callis officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 14 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Powell Funeral Home in Steele.

Billy David Gray, Sr. was born on April 16, 1952 in Steele, Missouri to Carl Hubert Gray and Bessie Estelle Goff Gray. He passed away on October 11, 2025 in Blytheville, Arkansas at the age of 73.
Billy served his country as a member of the U.S. Army. He was a member of Faith Pentecostal Church in Holland, Missouri, and also served there as a board member. He had been the owner/operator and chemist of Specialloy Metals in New Madrid, Missouri.
He was united in marriage to Brenda Faught Gray on September 15, 1972 in Steele, Missouri.
He loved his family and loved their tradition of getting together on Friday nights to go out to eat, and BBQ was a favorite of his. He also enjoyed having lots of family come to his home. He loved singing at his church.
He was preceded in death by his parents and eleven siblings: James O’Neal Gray, Jackie Gray, Bobby Joe Gray, J.R. Gray, Larry Gray, Donald Gray, Eldridge Gray, Martha Gray, Dorothy Gray, Linda Mann, and Christine Mays.
Survivors include:
His wife of 53 years, Brenda Gray of Steele, Missouri
Two sons:
Billy David Gray, Jr. and Kary of Fayetteville, Arkansas
Carl Eric Gray and Crystal of Gentry, Arkansas
Five grandchildren:
Billy “D. J.” David Gray III, Caden Dallas Gray, Katie Addlie Gray, Kyler Eric Gray and Ashley, and Danny Gray
Two great grandchildren:
Paxton Elizabethann Gray and Raylan Ellis Gray
One sister:
Glenda Wilson of Albuquerque, New Mexico
His mother-in-law: Dessie Lee Faught of Steele, Missouri
And many other relatives and many friends

10/12/2025

Services are incomplete at this time for Billy Gray of Steele, Mo. Billy passed away October 11, 2025 at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville, Arkansas at the age of 73. Powell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

09/20/2025

Funeral services for 93 year old Arlene Holt of Steele, Mo will be held Tuesday September 23, 2025 at 11:00 am at Powell Funeral Home in Steele. A wake will be held at 10:00 am. Arlene Holt passed away on September 19, 2025 at River Oaks Care Center. Rev. Bruce Hollywood will officiate. Burial will be in Mt Zion Cemetery.

Arlene Hollywood Holt was born on January 20, 1932 to Roy Hollywood and Mary Lee Garla Hollywood. She passed away on September 19, 2025 in Steele, Missouri at the age of 93.
She was a hard worker, and loved working in her yard. She enjoyed going to flea markets and yard sales, and loved all the beautiful finds she collected.
She was united in marriage 75 years ago to Lyn Holt, who preceded her in death.
She was also preceded in death by her parents and three brothers: A.B. Hollywood, Roy Hollywood, and Dolsey Hollywood.
Survivors include many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends

09/10/2025

Memorial services for 76 year old Lydia Victoria “Vicki” Edington of Rives, Missouri will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Powell Funeral Home in Steele, Missouri with Rev. John E. Dunavant officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm noon and continue until service time.
Vicki Edington passed away on September 10, 2025 at River Oaks Care Center in Steele.


Lydia Victoria “Vicki” Davis Edington was born on September 1, 1949 in Blytheville, Arkansas to Thomas Elmer Davis and Melba Culp Davis. She passed away on September 10, 2025 in Steele, Missouri at the age of 76.

She was of the Baptist faith and had been employed at Milwaukee Tool Company in Blytheville, Arkansas. She enjoyed fishing, sewing and crafts, shopping at yard sales and flea markets, and target shooting. She also really liked to play bingo.

She was preceded in death by her parents and:

One granddaughter: Emily Middleton
One great grandson: August Middleton
One brother: Tommy Davis
One sister: Regina Davis Rastall

Survivors include:

Mike Edington of Hermondale, Missouri
One daughter: Renee Middleton and Greg of Steele, Missouri
One brother: Danny Ray Davis of Rives, Missouri

Two grandchildren:

Haley Middleton
Hunter Middleton and Kayla

Nine great grandchildren:

Jaxson Stout, Eli Wilbourn, Benny Middleton, Avery Wilbourn, Aubri Wilbourn, Reece Charlston, Cash Middleton, Emzleigh Middleton, and Milani Middleton

And a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Address

122 E. Main Street
Steele, MO
63877

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