Loyd W. Steele, 77, of Vidalia, La., died March 21 at SouthwestMississippi Regional Medical Center. He was born on Aug. 1, 1928,to Barney Steele and Velia Freeman Steele.

He was retired from his job with International Paper Company. Hewas a member of the Baptist faith. He was a veteran of the UnitedStates Army and served in the Korean Conflict.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and his sister, WonzieJackson.

Survivors are his wife, Lucille Bellis Steele; his son, LeonSteele of Baton Rouge, La.; his stepsons, Terry Bellis, of NewHebron, and Charles Bellis, of Vidalia; his daughter, Doris Mobeck,of Peoria, Ill.; his stepdaughter, Shirley Smith, of Birmingham,Ala.; his brothers, Lucien Steele, of Meadville, Rayborn Steele, ofSummit, Adrien Steele, of Tylertown, and Clem Steele, of BatonRouge; his sisters, Audrey Bass, of Baker, La., Birdie Brown, ofNatchez, and Ada Lee Huff, of Brookhaven; his four grandchildren;his five great-grandchildren; and his former wife, Ida M. Steele,of Jena, La.

A memorial service will be set at a later date at the SteeleFamily Cemetery. Riverwood Family Funeral Services is in charge ofarrangements.