Rev. Philip E. Steele

Rev. Philip E. Steele, 68, of Newburg passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ during the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at his home. Philip was born on November 20, 1957, son of the late Luther O. and Dorothy M. (Diehl) Steele. On September 3, 1977, he married the love of his life, Cindy L. (Biddle) Steele. Together they had 3 children, Dustin (Angelina) of Woodbury, PA, Danae Klock (David) of Mechanicsburg, and Dana Lutz (Brendan) of Landisville, PA. He was Pappy to 7 grandchildren who were the delight and love of his heart: Hailey, Isaiah and Kaden Steele; Aubrey and Daxon Klock, and Brycen and Delainey Lutz. Phil is survived by his wife, his mother, a brother, James (Louise) of Lancaster, and a sister, Linda Johnson (David) of Marysville, Tennessee. He was loved by 5 nephews and 2 nieces, and many other beloved family members.

Before being called into full time ministry, Philip was a life-long dairy farmer in New Enterprise, Pennsylvania where he farmed with his parents. He served as a Sunday School teacher, deacon and elder at the Woodbury Church of God. As he answered the Lord’s call to the ministry, Phil preached in a 30-mile radius of his home filling pulpits and preaching revival services in many area churches. He furthered his pastoral studies through Breckbill Bible College (formerly Manahath School of Theology) and Grace Brethren Theological Seminary while continuing to farm. His first pastorate was at the Everett Grace Brethren Church, Everett, Pennsylvania. In September 2000, the Lord called he and his family to the Green Spring First Church of God, Newville, Pennsylvania, where he served for 26 years until his passing.

Phil was a compassionate, loving role model to all who knew him. He strived to share the saving gospel of Jesus Christ to all. The heartbeat of his life was to love and serve the Lord with all his heart, his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and the flock at Green Spring. He was often referred to as the “Sheepdog” of the flock, who by the Grace of God, preached the Word of God in earnest, truth and in love. His life verse was Philippians 3:10.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Green Spring First Church of God. Rev. Jim Klock and Rev. Walter Hock will officiate. A viewing will be held Friday, February 6, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Green Spring First Church of God and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. A private family burial will be held at Replogle Cemetery in Woodbury, PA.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Green Spring First Church of God at 1140 Green Spring Road, Newville, PA 17241.