CHEROKEE VILLAGE, Ark. -- Thomas Charles Steele, 56, of Cherokee Village, Ark., died March 2, 2007, at his residence.

He was born June 15, 1950 in Le Mars, the son of Claire Steele and Jane (Peters) Steele.

He worked for many years as an auto dealer in his own dealership before retiring.

He was a member of the American Legion, the Masonic Lodge (Floyd Lodge), the Knights Templar and the Abu Bekr Shrine Temple.

He moved to Cherokee Village four years ago from Kimball, Neb.

Survivors include his wife, Pam of the home; one son, Toby Welch of Colorado Springs, Colo.; four daughters, Alissa Steele of Richardson, Texas, Tanya Welch of Las Vegas, Nev., Ashley Steele of Richardson, Texas, and Bailey Welch of Little Rock, Ark.; and one sister, Margaret Kennedy of Sumner, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Bruce Steele.

A private memorial services will be held for family and close friends after cremation. Arrangements are under the direction of the Tri-County Funeral Home of Highland, Ark.