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James Roland Steele
Date of Birth: October 30, 1952
Date of Death: June 30, 2011
 James Roland Steele of Duncanville, beloved son, brother, uncle & friend, passed away June 30, 2011. He was born October 30, 1952 in Dallas, Texas to Walter Steele and Jean Carey Steele. A musician, Roland grew up playing music and performing with his family. He went on to perform with many different bands throughout his lifetime. A singer and songwriter, he was accomplished at piano, guitar & drums. A member of LPA (Little People of America), Roland made many dear & lifelong friends through his involvement there. Preceded in death by his father, Roland is survived by his mother, Jean Steele; brother, Walter Steele, Jr. & wife, GiGi; sister Cathy Lettenmaier & husband, Norby; nieces, Julie Steele & Lauren Lettenmaier; nephews, Greg Steele, Eric Steele & Chris Lettenmaier, along with great-nieces & great-nephews, Brennan, Jake, Sam, Jackson & Dax.
Funeral Service were held, 2:00 PM, Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at First United Methodist Church Small Chapel, 206 W. Daniel Street, Duncanville, TX 75116. A private burial followed.
This is from the LPA (Little People of America) chapter that Roland belonged to -
In Memory of Roland Steele
A scholarship is being established to aid short
stature members with renting a scooter at
convention, and possibly assisting with paying for a care giver
during convention. This scholarship is for short statured individuals
of very limited physical means. Donations can be made to the
"Roland Steele Special Needs Fund" c/o LPA, Inc.
 
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Paul Peters
These comments from Roland's obituary are noteworthy to include.
I've known Roland my entire life. I have so many fond memories of watching him sitting on his stool playing guitar for me and Alicia when we were kids. I always looked forward to his visits. He was an amazing man and I'm blessed to have known him. He will be missed.
~ Natalie Templeton
Roland,
I doubt you can read this from way up in Heaven, but I wanted to tell you how much you will be missed down here, however, I bet you have met so many interesting people, that you must be having a grand time. We will miss you so much when it is New Year's Eve, Brian and the Smith's parties, Convention,, etc. I will especially miss our debates with Brian about politics. Even though I didn't see you much in the last few years, (my fault) you never stopped impressing me with your kindness, your talent, and your humor.
Ring a bell somewhere so I will know you got your wings. :')
~ Mary Beth
Paul Peters
Roland and I were lab partners in biology one year and spent many hours together. He taught me many qualities and lessons about life. Always a gentleman, a ready smile, and a happy disposition no matter what the circumsatnces. These were the qualities associated with Roland. His will be big shoes to fill. And truly - He had the beat!
I was sorry to lose touch with him. He was a person who could always turn any circumstance into a happy time. Patience was a virture he was born with a quality he could teach. It's now 2021, I've updated a bit and I still remember him and smile!
Paul Peters
Submitted by Jim Berckman on Friday, November 11, 2011:
In our class, Roland was the smallest in physical stature, but he had a huge heart. He was a little person, a longtime and active member of Little People of America. He was a songwriter who had a wonderful voice and he was very talented, being able to play guitar, piano, and drums. We used to play music in his basement - he used to sing and play guitar or piano while I attempted to play drums. I lost track of Roland after high school - he moved to Texas. I only recently discovered his whereabouts after he passed away this summer. Sadly missed but not forgotten by his friend - j.b.
Ben Marshall
I found an old pic I took going through some attic photos.
Back in 1974 I helped my sister move from Houston Tex to Cal. We would be passing through Dallas. I knew Roland was living there and had a music studio called "Six Pence Productions" if I remember right.
I gave him a call and said we were traveling through and he said he was available to see us and show us around. We ending up spending the night at their invitation since it was after a long day driving. They were so hospitable to us.
He was a devout Christian and was active producing his music. I remember calling him a couple years before he passed. A remarkable man, in his condition, he was fatigued yet devoting himself to assisting his ailing mother until she passed...a real servant.
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"He who would be the leader of all must be the servant of all" ~ Jesus