|
| |
Memorial for Russell Levi Steel
|
Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas on Dec. 6, 1917
Departed on Jul. 27, 2010 and resided in Durango, CO.
|
|
| Service: |
No Service
|
|
  |
Local artist Russell Levi Steel died Tuesday, July 27, 2010 in Durango, Colo. He was 92.
Mr. Steel was born December 6, 1917, in Fort Smith, Ark., the son of Thomas and Letha Steel. He served in the U.S. Army (Army Air Corp) during World War II. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bethany Peniel College (now Southern Nazarene University) in Bethany, Okla.
Russell became interested in art during WW II when he was commissioned to do USO posters. While stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, he met and married Audrey Kinsey. Oklahoma was where they settled to raise their family. Although he still practiced his art, it was not until the last child left home that he began to pursue an art career in earnest.
In 1973 he and Audrey began a short time of traveling that centered around art. Summers were usually spent in the Durango area, winters in the south and old Mexico. One journey took them on a tour of Europe. Always they were called home to Durango, where they began to set down roots. Russell still traveled, painting parts of Colorado and other points west, but they had found a community in Durango. For many years Russell operated the Cinders Art Gallery but could most often be found outside the Durango Train Station with his easel and paints. He was always ready for a chat with anyone prepared to stop and watch him paint.
Over the years Rusty's paintings have been in shows produced by the National Academy of Design in New York and Watercolor USA. He has been listed in "Who's Who in American Art", and his works can be found in homes, museums, and galleries across America. A permanent exhibit is hanging in the D&SNG Museum and it contains many originals, including a mural painted for the exhibit.
Mr. Steel was predeceased by his wife, Audrey Steel, and daughter, Joyce Moore.
He is survived by daughters Sue (Clint) Cheveallier of Folsom, La.; Ellyn (Carter) Marsh of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Jayne Stasser (John Bloom) of Arapahoe, N.C.; Luci Seem of Oklahoma City, Okla.; son Don (Sandy) Steel of Oklahoma City, Okla.; son-in-law Johnny Moore of Oklahoma City, Okla.; brother Tommy Steele of Seymour, Tenn.; 14 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation will occur at Hood Mortuary Crematory. Private family services will be held.
|
| |
|
|
|
