Jeffrey Paul Steele, 49, of Portsmouth, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at SOMC. Jeff was born on December 27, 1975, to Nancy L. Adkins Steele, and the late Paul Keith Steele, MD.
Jeff attended Wheelersburg Schools and transferred to the Vern Riffe School, where he graduated. His first job was at BP in Wheelersburg prior to moving on to the SOMC Life Center and Shawnee State University. He worked for many years in the SSU Student Activities Department where he was “The Boss.”
A happy and fiercely independent individual, Jeff was recognized by the State of Ohio for Independent Living. He loved life and enjoyed working, not only at his job, but also in his home and yard. Jeff loved old cars and car shows, and he was a stickler for promptness and doing the job right. However, he did not like the way that Mother Nature did her job, especially when it interfered with his plans.
Jeff loved making friends, but he mostly loved to talk! He was a brave and strong person throughout his entire life, enduring many illnesses with a positive attitude. He served as a great example to all who knew him. He touched many lives, and all of those folks are better people for having known Jeff.
Surviving is his mother, Nancy L. Steele, and stepfather, Joseph Steele of Stout; his brother, Matthew (Lori) Steele of Columbus; two sisters, Kelli Steele of Cincinnati, and Jodi Wright of Canal Winchester; nieces and nephews, Cole Steele, Alix Steele, Jessi Wright (Mason) Harris, Lea Wright; and his loving cat, Miss Charlie.
In addition to his father, Dr. Paul Keith Steele, Jeff was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Homer and Gladys Adkins; and his paternal grandparents, Paul and Ovie Steele.
The family extends sincere thanks to the following individuals, offices, and services: Scioto County DD and Phillip Payton, Provider; DCI Dialysis Center; Shawnee State University; Dr. Charles Greiner; Dr. George Shahade; Dr. Thomas Khoury; and Dr. George Esham. Jeff would tell you all “Don’t work too hard.” Lastly, many thanks to the Portsmouth Firefighters and SOMC ER.
Private services will be held under the direction of the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sierra’s Haven for New and Used Pets, 80 Easter Dr., Portsmouth, OH 45662.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
We miss you, Jeff.
