Charles Edward Steed, son of the late Myrtle Collins Ivey, was born November 9, 1931, in Thayer, Missouri. Charles, also known as “Charlie,” was raised by his loving grandmother, Nora Belle Bettigrew, after the untimely death of his mother. Charlie departed this life on January 24, 2024, at the age of 92 years and 2 months.
Charlie was united in marriage on March 29, 1951, in Hardy, Arkansas to the love of his life, Ruby Jean (Cook) Steed, and was blessed with over 72 years of marriage.
Charlie was a truck driver in his earlier years, and then in the early 1960’s, Charlie and Ruby started their business, Steed’s Grocery Store & Gas Station, being one of Thayer’s first convenience stores, which they operated for over 2 decades. After closing the store, Charlie continued to operate Steed’s Radiator Shop until he was 89 years old. He loved his customers, having made many friends of all ages over the years. Charlie, known as “Pop” by his grandchildren, was a master storyteller about the history of Thayer and Augusta, and loved exchanging stories about the history of the area. Pop was genuinely interested in others and their stories and was truly gifted with making everyone feel valued.
Charlie loved his church and his church family at the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. He was a member for over 65 years and served as an Elder for many years. Charlie was also a member of the Clifton Lodge No. 463 for over 50 years and was elected as Worshipful Master many times over. He cared deeply about the Masonic lodge and its mission of service.
Pop’s love for his children and grandchildren was endless. Pop was the type of person who would give the shirt off his back for another. How Pop lived and treated others was a testament to God’s goodness. Everyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing Pop knew there was no better.
Charlie is survived by five children: Charles (Butch), wife Donna of Thayer; Jerry, wife BJ of Mountain Home; Barbara of West Plains; Kevin, wife Lana of Mammoth Spring; and Kelly, wife Angela of Thayer. Ten grandchildren: Angi Littlejohn of Memphis; Becky (Rodney) Hallmark of Horseshoe Bend; Christina Mainprize of West Plains; Thaddeus Jay “TJ” (Beth) Steed of Ash Flat; Charli Steed of Springfield; Jacob (Samantha) Steed of Republic; Kelsey (Morgan) Flynn of Little Rock; Ashley Steed of Republic; Zachary (Chandra) Steed of Thayer; and Ruby Frances Steed of Mountain Home. Eleven great-grandchildren, one first cousin, Shirley (Basil) Land, one special nephew, Michael (Poke) Cook, and many special friends and church family that enhanced his life.
In addition to his parents, and grandmother, Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby; one infant son, Larry Edward; one infant grandson, Michael Wayne; one infant sister, Clara; four aunts: Eliza Pliler, Helen Madden, Virgie Johnson, and Wilma Irene Simms; one uncle, Everett Bettigrew; and one daughter-in-law, Margaret Steed.
Funeral services for Charles Edward Steed, age 93, of Thayer, Missouri, will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. till service time at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.
Interment will be on Monday, January 29, 2024, in Thayer Cemetery, Thayer Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
January 25, 2024 @ 6:14 pm
So terribly sorry for your loss of Charlie and Ruby.they were the sweetest people. And will be missed terribly.
January 26, 2024 @ 5:18 am
To the Steed Family.So sorry for your loss. Our hearts & prayers go out to your family. The Freeman Fzmily
January 26, 2024 @ 8:06 am
My heart felt sympahies go out to all of you. I did not know Mr. Charles, but I know Kelly and his family. May God wrap His loving arms around each one of you and bring you comfort, as only He can do. Prayers and blessings.
Laura Pendergrass
January 26, 2024 @ 12:59 pm
Steed family, so very sorry to hear of Charlie passing, my parents sure enjoyed spending time with both Charlie and Ruby.
May all of you keep the wonderful memories in your heart of sweet Charlie. Prayers and blessings.
Love, The Landes family.
January 27, 2024 @ 10:21 am
Just to say, all who knew Charlie will forever remember him as so kind and straight with you. He fixed radiators that should have been junked, just to help me out. He was a great friend to all my family. Being close in all kinds of church activities through the years, heaven has gained, and we lost someone from a wonderful family and my friend and fellow church brother. I send love from all of us to Charlie’s family. Deepest sympathy
January 27, 2024 @ 11:20 am
So sorry to hear of Charlie passing he and Ruby where great neighbors my prayers for the whole family
January 29, 2024 @ 8:24 am
Sincere condolences
January 29, 2024 @ 8:26 am
My Sincere codolences
January 29, 2024 @ 8:28 am
My sincere condolences
January 29, 2024 @ 10:28 am
I am so sorry for your loss! I have childhood memories of going to the radiator shop with my dad. Charlie and Ruby were such good people. They will both be missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Our sincere condolences.
January 29, 2024 @ 1:46 pm
A pillar of the Thayer community. Charlie will sincerely be missed by all that knew him. A life long friend of my Rogers/Reynolds family. RIP
January 29, 2024 @ 5:10 pm
I am so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing he was a dear friend of mine, and although I hadn’t seen him in several years, he was one of the
funniest men I have ever known, and I know he loved the Lord we had had many a discussion on the Bible which we both enjoyed and never
got mad, he loved Ruby and his kids and grandkids, I know he missed Ruby so very much.
January 30, 2024 @ 9:50 am
Could never have had a better POP for myself and my family. He always always let me know that he thought I was doing the best job raising the kids. Unconditional support is what he gave me. I know Angela and BJ also feel the same way, as we share our thoughts. I remember one particular conversation where I was apologetic for an action, and I felt inclined to explain to Gram and Pop. I said “I am sorry and so hope you aren’t embarrassed”. I’ll never forget the reply: “I would have done the same, if you hadn’t, and THEN would have reprimanded me”. They BOTH taught me to fight for my kids and for what is just and right POP would have allowed anyone to walk over him and he shared with a few of us some few that did, but never were his grandkids to suffer the same. They are both so
Missed and loved. I realize I am a blessed daughter in law that has a real relationship with them both. We can now forget the dark days of decline as their lives are sheer joy to me. Thankful to still have one grandparent for
my children and for Ashley too. Our children got to be at BOTH sets of grandparents 50th anniversary(s) while POP only knew one grandparent ever. Thank you POP!
January 30, 2024 @ 10:24 am
What a legacy Charlie left for his family and community. Celebrate his life and what he taught so many while on this earth. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Steed family.
January 31, 2024 @ 6:21 pm
Oh my I am so sorry to hear of Charles passing!!! It is so heart breaking!! I had the privilege to call them my Friend!! So many memories! May God Bless you all so much!! Charles & Ruby were always so good to me!! Our Prayers for Barb, Butch, Jerry, Kelly, Kevin and ALL the Family!!