Samuel Steele Crissman
(“Skippy”, “Paw Paw Funny”)

December 27, 1928 — February 15, 2021

He finished strong. Steele Crissman, a faithful and loving husband, father and friend passed away peacefully in his home at age 92. Steele was surrounded by his children and devoted wife of 59 years, Frances Crissman.

Born Dec. 27, 1928 in Johnstown, PA to S. Steele Crissman and Edwarda Kress Crissman, Steele moved with his mother, sister and grandmother Kress to Washington, D.C. during World War II. From the time he was young, Steele was a gifted athlete and passionate sports fan. He played football and basketball at Western High School in D.C. After high school, Steele earned a football scholarship to Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL where he acquired a history degree. Those who knew Steele knew how much he loved the Washington Redskins football team and how proud he was to have spent time within the Redskins’ organization after college.

Steele carried with him his love of sports as he went on to serve in the United States Navy. Once again utilizing his athleticism, Steele helped naval aviators through water survival training on the “Dilbert Dunker”, the stories of which continued to enthrall and entertain his grandchildren decades later. Steele’s robust and colorful career continued to grow and include many additional accomplishments. He spent six years working for Illinois Senator, Paul Douglas, owned and operated a bookstore in Georgetown and traveled the country as a successful entrepreneur and salesman.

However, Steele’s self-proclaimed greatest achievement, and undoubtedly his most cherished, was his family. He was outspoken and sincere about his love and admiration for his wife, Frances. They met in Washington, D.C. where they married and started their family. Steele and Frances relocated their family to Hagerstown, MD and ultimately to Glendale, MO in 1982. They spent the following 39 years raising their children and multiple English Bulldogs, and watching their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grow.

Steele’s was a character through the end, with handsome blue eyes, a winning smile and unforgettable one-liners. His charisma could fill up the room, winning over the most skeptical of critics. He was loved for his candid honesty, his original jokes and his astute sports and political analysis. He will be remembered for his genuine kindness towards others, love for his family and friends, and his faith in Jesus Christ. We will miss his frequent phone calls, handwritten notes and perfectly delivered punchlines. We are blessed to have been loved by Steele Crissman, who has always been, and will continue to be, larger than life.

Steele was preceded in death by his father, S. Steele Crissman, mother Edwarda H. Crissman, sister Fritzi Epstein Ryan, nephew Scott Durrance, grandson Nathan Allison.  Steele is survived by his wife Frances Bruner Crissman and four children: Laura (Jeff) Killion, Colleen Allison, Heather Niemeyer and Steele M. (Lisa) Crissman; fifteen grandchildren: Kip Killion, Griffin Killion and Grace Killion; Meghan (Mikel) Allison Chaffee, Samuel (Mckenna) Allison, Hank (Sarah) Allison, Jack Allison, Ocean Allison and Nate Allison; Clare Niemeyer, Graham Niemeyer and Emma Niemeyer; Steele L. Crissman, Eva Crissman and Holt Crissman;  four great grandchildren: Charlotte Chaffee, Cora Chaffee, Mack Chaffee and Hope Allison; nieces Kit (Ricardo) Escobedo, Karen Behnke: nephew, Russell (Beverly) Epstein; great niece Leila (Mike) Warren; great great nephews Logan Warren, Liam Warren.

Steele generously wished to leave his remains to the Gift Body Program at St Louis University to aid the education of physicians and researchers. Steele’s remains will ultimately be cremated and his ashes will be honored by a future memorial at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery. Family and friends will join together for a Celebration of Life and Memorial Service in the coming months – date to be determined.