Albert Ray Steelman 1929-2007

Albert Ray Steelman was born Sunday, July 14, 1929 in near Summersville, MO. He was the 13th child born to William Albert and Estella Perry (Bryant) Steelman. He went to be with his heavenly father on Sunday, October 21, 2007 at the age of 78 years.

Albert was inducted in the Unites States Army serving from February 13, 1951 and to November 22, 1953. During his time in the Army he earned a Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars and a United Nations Service Medal, he also received a citation award of the commendations Ribbon with medals for heroic efforts while under siege.

Albert met the love of his life, Mary Alice Johnson, they were married in Fulton County, Arkansas, September 15, 1951 making their union together 56 years.

To their union three children were born, Steve Albert, Colleen Sue, and Rita Lyn.

Albert and Mary farmed and worked together to raise their family. During the early years, Albert cut cord wood and farmed while Mary worked at Angelica Uniform Factory. In the late 60's they moved to Hwy K near Summersville where the family ran a dairy farm.

Albert was saved at an early age. He felt the Lord calling him to minister unto others. He was Ordained in September 23, 1978. He was a pastor at Elk Creek Baptist Church, Eunice Baptist Church, and Faith Baptist Church. He was an in-term pastor at Faith Baptist and at Clara Baptist Church. He would fill in any way he could when he was needed. He loved to go to the nursing homes and visit with the residents. Albert and Mary’s heart was always with their home church Summersville First Church where they were faithful and dedicated members.

He was active in many civic affairs the Shannon County Welfare Commission in 1971, the Shannon County Road Board, the Texas County Baptist Association. He would help any one in need, no matter who they were. Helping others and doing acts of kindness; will be one of the many things he will be remembered for.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Estella, brothers, Tom, Earl, Lee, infant brother Calvin, Corb, Burley and Clyde, sisters, Almeda Swartz, Gladys Sykes, and Lorene Van Horn, and several nieces and nephews, also his mother-in-law and father-in-law Walter and Essie Jane (Holmes) Johnson.

Those left to mourn his passing are his beloved wife Mary, his children and grandchildren, Steve and Connie Steelman and son Samuel of Summersville, Colleen and Doyle Bradford, of Summersville and daughter Kezra and husband Jeff Chamberlin of Branson; Rita and Marlon Richison and children, Joshua, Jacob, Ezekiel, Marly and Scarlet of Summersville; one sister Goldie Johnson Alexander of Des Moines, Iowa and two brothers, Ray Steelman of St. Louis, MO and Carl Steelman and wife Joan of Mexico, MO; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members. Albert is also survived by his First Baptist Church Family who he loved.

Services were held Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 11:00 Am at Bradford Funeral Home in Summersville with Rev. Tommy Boyd, Rev. Gary Steelman, and Rev. Bill Mathes. Interment was in Antioch Cemetery under the care of Bradford Funeral Home of Summersville