August 2, 1934 – August 21, 2025

Robert “Bob” James Steele, 91, passed away on August 21, 2025, at Wind Crest Senior Living Community in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Bob was born on August 2, 1934, in Craig, Colorado, to Sam and Violet Steele. Due to his father’s work, his family moved frequently throughout his childhood. From 1941, they lived in Massadona, Colorado, where his parents operated a rural roadside truck stop, gas station, motel, and café along Highway 40. There, Bob attended first grade. In 1944, the family moved to Craig, Colorado, where Bob attended a multi-room school for the first time. The family settled on a ranch near Maybell, Colorado, in 1947 where he participated in rodeos as a bronco rider. During high school, Bob often stayed with his maternal grandparents in Craig to attend football, band and other after-school activities. After graduating high school in 1952, Bob enlisted in the Colorado National Guard. He was promoted to corporal in 1954 and entered active duty with the Army. He later became a lieutenant in his National Guard unit and continued his service until 1960. While serving, he attended Colorado A&M College, majoring in Agricultural Range Management, but he soon discovered a passion for engineering. On February 2, 1957, Bob married Saundra L. Anderson in Craig, Colorado. They went on to have three children: Gretchen, born in 1958; Robin, born in 1960; and John, born in 1966. After his marriage, Bob pursued his engineering dream, transferring credits to Mesa Junior College to study geology before enrolling at the Colorado School of Mines. He graduated with honors in 1963 with a degree in mining engineering and made the dean’s list every quarter. A Life of Service and Professional Success Bob’s career in the mining industry spanned over 40 years. He started as an equipment operator in the uranium business and retired as a corporate vice president in the salt business in 1996. After retirement, he found his most rewarding work as a consultant, which allowed him to exercise his ingenuity. His most gratifying project was building a new, profitable, and sustainable mine in rural, upstate New York, which created over 400 jobs and continues to operate today. Beyond his professional life, Bob was committed to serving his community. He built a baseball park in Green River, Wyoming, where his family lived from 1964 to 1975, and later managed projects for Habitat for Humanity in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He was a dedicated family man and a true friend to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed. Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years, Saundra Steele, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; his daughter Gretchen Wate and her husband, Chris, of Chicago, Illinois; his daughter Robin Steele of Morrison, Colorado; and his son John Steele and his wife, Lisa, of Castlerock, Colorado. On Saturday, August 30th, a procession from Grant Mortuary will begin at 10:15 to the Craig Cemetery for a graveside service starting at 10:30. In lieu of flowers, Bob has requested donations be made to the American Cancer Society.