Kerry Dale Steele (74) passed away August 15, 2018, surrounded by loved ones, at Kadlec Hospital in Richland, Washington. Kerry was born February 16, 1944 in Portland, Oregon to Elmon and Lydessie (Kitty) Steele, and had one sister, Sharon. During Kerry's early years, the family moved various times around Washington state, following his dad's employment as a construction worker on the Columbia and Snake River dam projects. After settling in Kennewick, Kerry attended classes through his junior year of high school, then moved to Goldendale and graduated a year early from Goldendale High in 1961. Immediately after graduation, Kerry joined the US Navy and served for twenty years on several ships stationed in the US, Spain, Midway Island, and Vietnam. Kerry loved learning and attended college wherever he was stationed. When he retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant in 1981, Kerry was working to complete his Electrical Engineering degree. He returned to Kennewick to continue his studies at the Joint Center for Graduate Studies through WSU, where he earned his BSEE. Kerry then went to work for Battelle, beginning his second career from which he retired after 22 years. During his time at Battelle, Kerry developed technologies that led to several patents, was a member of Mensa and Toastmasters, and held a pilot's license. Kerry was very close with his family and shared in all their family traditions. He loved computers and guitar music, had a great fondness for animals, owned and cared for several cats and dogs over the years, and generously donated regularly to many local animal shelters and rescue organizations. Kerry is survived by his sister and best friend Sharon (Steele) Setterberg, brother-in-law Ralph Setterberg, niece Shelli Jury, nephew Scott Setterberg, niece Sherri Dallas (husband Mark Dallas), great nephew Drew Dallas, great nieces Lily Dallas and Lia Dallas, girlfriend Yvonne Sherman, and his two sweet kitties, Beauty and Tuffy. He was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, colleague, and friend, and is already dearly missed.