Beverly Dian Steele

Dian Steele was born Beverly Dian Hamilton, May 22, 1939 in Altus, Oklahoma to Harvey Leslie and Mary Edna Duke Hamilton. She had two brothers, Tom and Charlies who were 17 and 15 years older. As the much younger child, it is not surprising Dian was somewhat spoiled, but was consequently treated to “Elm Tree Tea” ( a few swats on the calves with small tree branches) by her dad.

Growing up in an era where people actually used sidewalks, one of her favorite games was to don roller skates, stand at the end of her block, and ask passersby to pull her to the other end. Dian was always active in girls groups such as scouts and an organization called the K.A.Y. Club. In fact, Dian invited Brian for their first date to the annual K.A.Y. Club dance which began an almost 70 year relationship. Another honor was being chosen to attend Girls State.

Upon graduating from Altus High School in 1957, Dian enrolled in Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University in New Orleans. Returning to Altus for Christmas, she was met by Brian at the Ft. Worth train station where Brian presented her with an engagement ring, thereby beginning a 5 year engagement.

Dian graduated with a degree in Elementary education in 1961 and was immediately hired to teach second grade in Lafayette, LA where her mother was recovering following surgery for detached retina.

The next summer, Dian and Brian were wed in the First Presbyterian Church in Altus. Dian was hired to teach elementary school in Pawnee, OK while Brian was finishing his Bachelor of Music degree.

Beverly Kay was born May 24, 1963, two days after her mother’s birthday. Following Brian’s training in AG school at Ft. Benjamin in Harrison, the Steeles wound up in Olathe, KS with Brian stationed at Olathe Naval Air Station with the 5th of the 55th missile Battalion Kansas City Army Air Defense Command. Again, Dian was very soon hired by the Olathe School District to teach elementary students. Brenda Kathleen, “Katie,” was born April 24, 1969. Dian and Brian welcomed Linda Carol Farmer into the family in 1971.

After three years of service, Brian took a position as Director of Music at Trinity United Methodist Church in Kansas City, MO. He later took on the position of Assistant to the Minister. In 1981, Brian decided to pursue a full time career in opera with Dian’s blessing. Fortunately, he was hired almost every year to perform with Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Dian fully supported his career and even became a member of the Lyric Opera Guild which helped raise funds for the company. Brian also performed with regional companies all over the US, and even Europe. Fortunately, Dian was able to attend many of the productions especially over summer. She came to love opera even more than Brian. Dian retired from teaching in 2001 and took a well-earned trip to Italy with three ladies she met through the Lyric Opera Guild.

She then became a coordinator of the Seniors Serving Schools program working with the retired seniors who volunteered in schools. She also was instrumental in organizing Olathe Public Schools Retired Educators Association, OPS/REA. She finally fully retired in 2011, but then volunteered for several years in the Clothes Closet at Center of Grace.

Dian was a member and officer in several organizations including P.E.O., Chrysantas, Delta Kappa Gamma, OPS/REA, Lyric Opera Guild, and enjoyed playing Bunco and Book Club.

Dian was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers, and her daughter, Linda Eargle.

Dian is survived by her husband, Brian, her daughters Beverly (Tim) Furlong and Katie (Danny) Goyer, son -in-law Robert Eargle, grandchildren Ashley (Kyle) Harris, Charlie (Lydia) Furlong, Aly Eargle, Forrest (Ellen) Goyer, and Grayson (Alyssa) Steele, her great grandchildren, Leyton and Emrey Harris, and nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends and fellow teachers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a scholarship in honor of Dian through Olathe Public Schools Foundation at 300 E. Loula St., Olathe, KS 66062 or online to foundation@olatheschools.org designating Dian Steele scholarship.

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