Cherokee, Cherokee County Republican. Born April 16, 1919, son of Harrison C. and Lydia Jepson Steele. Attended Cherokee public schools, graduated from Carleton College, Northfield, Minn., and took additional work at Iowa State University, Ames. Served as a naval reserve officer through World War II in the Caribbean and Southwest Pacific. Employed by the Steele State Bank, Cherokee, until 1952. Married Harriet Ann Rogers of Waterloo, Sept. 10, 1950. Three children: Lowell, Quentin and Miranda Lou. Hereford breeder and farmer. Presbyterian, York-Rite Mason, Shriner. Member of American and Iowa Hereford Associations, American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, American Legion, National Rifle Association, U.S. Naval Reserve, Farm Bureau, Cherokee Chamber of Commerce. Served six years on Cherokee city planning board. Served as a precinct committeeman and Republican county chairman. Was delegate-at-large to 1960 Republican national convention and served on platform committee. First term in house.