Erik F. Steele

Erik Floyd Steele, our gentle giant, age 48, passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023 after suffering a stroke due to his ongoing high blood pressure. Erik was born in Payson, Utah to Terry and Judy Steele, their fourth child. He came to this earth with the most beautiful blue eyes, mischievous smile, and a big heart. Erik spent his childhood on one adventure after another along with his sister and the best neighborhood friends a couple of kids could have. He played hard, often ‘burning the rubber’ off his shoes. It was evident by his many trips to the doctor to get patched up from one bump and bruise to the next. Erik was somewhat of a hero. As a child, he used his strength to help others. He pulled a neighborhood friend from a culvert in a ditch to save him from drowning. He carried another neighborhood friend and his bike home after he had wrecked and waited to make sure he was okay.

Erik made many friends growing up. When his dad was very ill and spent an extended period of time between hospitals and care centers, many of those friends became part of his family. He loved them very much and spent many hours with them.

Erik loved his nieces and nephews and seemed to love teasing them even more, giving them many fun memories.

In his teen years, he developed a love of music. He taught himself to play the guitar and he became very proficient at it. His dream was to be in a band and that dream was realized when he became a part of the band Krinzum. They were able to share their music with all who came to hear them.

Erik married Jamie Farrar and gained a cute bonus son, Dalton Johnson. Their son Braden (Eddie) was born to the family he was Erik’s pride and joy. He enjoyed spending time with both of the boys. Erik and Jamie divorced. Later, he married his friend Amy Hunter. Through their marriage, he gained a bonus daughter, Destiny Jenkins Yates. Erik and Amy added a baby girl, PJ, to their family. She was his “pretty girl” princess. He sure loved his kids. Erik and Amy later divorced. He met his fiancé, love of his life and best friend, Melissa Long, along with her children and grandchildren. They have enjoyed many years together, spending time with family and friends, watching movies, hiking and camping. He was not only a son, brother, uncle, dad, friend, and fiancé, he was a grandpa. That was his favorite title. He loved his sweet little grandson, Carson Dean. “Yampa” was his favorite word to hear every day. Spending time with his little buddy was one of his favorite pastimes and Carson had him wrapped around his little finger.

Erik could always be found carrying a jug of milk mixed with half a cup of sugar. “Nectar of the Gods,” he called it. He drank a gallon of it every day. He loved playing his guitar outside and singing at the top of his lungs. Music has been a huge part of his life and he loved it so much. Erik loved spending time in nature. He enjoyed fishing and camping. Animals were some of his best friends and he felt like they were better than humans in many ways.

Erik would get so upset if helping someone was out of his hands. He was very tender-hearted. That is how he earned the affectionate title: Gentle Giant.

He fought the demons of addiction throughout his life. He was not always proud of his choices and hoped to mend relationships. If you are struggling with addiction, he hopes you will seek help. You are strong and you can do it.

Erik is survived by his mom, Judy Steele, fiancé, Melissa Long, children, Braden Steele, PJ Steele, step-children, Dalton Johnson (Bri Marie), Destiny Yates (Tyler), Melissa’s children: Tyson Shields (Danielle), Allison Riley, J.D.(Tia) Long, and Melissa's grandchildren: Nora Williams, Jennifer Christensen, Kaylee Christensen, Arthur Shields, Lexi Lou Shields, Tyson Shields (Bubba), Owen Long, Claire Long, Noah Long, Grayson Long, his siblings and their spouses: Terri Lynn Trujillo (Jeff), Darrel Steele (Patti), Brenda Shupe (Jay Dee), and Shelley Dye (John), Melissa's parents: Art and Retha Long, her siblings: Vivian (Kim) Smith, Candey Carter, Mark (Kim) Long, Crystal (Randy) Matulovich, Marcie (Mae) Long, Shannon (Sergio) Maldonado, Autry (Amanda) Long, many nephews, nieces and his beloved grandson, Carson Dean Ross.

He was preceded in death by his dad, Terry Steele, nephew, Mason Shupe, grandparents, several uncles and aunts, some of his cousins and Melissa's mom, Jenny Lynne Long. He said goodbye to one of his good friends, Doug Foster, several years ago and looked forward to the time he could see him again. We know he was greeted by his loved ones who have gone before him.

We love you so much Erik. We are happy that you are at peace and don’t have the restrictions you had here on earth. Keep singing and playing music loud as you celebrate in heaven. (Mom says to learn to play the harp.) We know we will see you again one day.

The family would like to thank the Santaquin EMS, Fire and Police departments, the staff at Utah Valley Hospital and to all of our beloved friends and family who are so supportive, generous and loving, we love you!

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023 with a viewing from 10:00 -10:45 am and the funeral at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints North Stake Center located at 545 N 200 E, Santaquin, Utah. Interment will be at the Santaquin City Cemetery.

To view the funeral online, please use the following link: https://youtube.com/@sunsone2956