Robert Sherell Steen, 88, died Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Madison, AL, where he moved in 2025 to be near his eldest daughter. He was born in Elgin Crossroads, Alabama, on June 20, 1938, and was the son of William Edgar Steen and Tavie Estella Ezell and the grandson of Christopher Franklin Steen and Fannie Alice Sledge and Lemual Alasku Ezell and Lizzie Lou Campbell, all of Lauderdale County, Alabama. Robert attended the public schools in east Lauderdale County and graduated from Lauderdale County High School in 1956. Upon graduation, he worked on a river boat, a job he continued each summer while in college. He enrolled at Florence State College in the fall of 1956 where he was in the band, ROTC, and head cheerleader. Robert graduated in May of 1960 as president of his senior class. He earned a B.S. degree in Social Science and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve through the ROTC Program. Upon graduating from Florence State College, Robert spent his fifth summer working on the river boat, followed by employment with the Lauderdale County Board of Education as a 7th grade teacher at Central Junior High, where he taught during the 1960-61 school year. On November 5, 1960, Robert married his high school sweetheart, Constance “Connie” Ann White.

In April 1961, Robert entered the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant. In 1966 he received a Regular Army Commission and served a total of 21 years on active duty. During his military career, Robert had numerous stateside assignments and five overseas tours. After completing Basic Training at Fort Benning, GA, he served at Fort Jackson, SC; Fort Gordon, GA; Grafenwoehr, Germany; Vietnam; Fort Benning, GA; Fort Wainwright, Alaska; Vietnam; Erlangen, Germany; Worms, Germany; Iowa City, IA; and Fort Rucker, AL. He saw combat during both of his tours in Vietnam. While on active duty, Robert earned an M.A. degree in Business Administration from the University of Iowa in 1978 and an M.S. degree in Personnel Management from Troy State University in 1982.

On June 1, 1982, Robert retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. The Steens returned to Florence and built their home in the Creekwood Subdivision where they were recognized by the City of Florence with multiple beautification awards. On the same date of his retirement from the U.S. Army, Robert began a second career as Personnel Director for the City of Florence. He remained with the city until May 1, 1989, when he accepted the position of Human Resources Director for the University of North Alabama (UNA). In addition to his personnel responsibilities at UNA, Robert worked on numerous campus improvement projects. He also authored pamphlets, magazine articles, and books on the history of UNA and its predecessor, LaGrange College. Robert retired from UNA on May 1, 2006. After retirement, he continued his work documenting the history of the university and that of Lauderdale County through his involvement in erecting historical markers. Robert re-entered the workforce on June 23, 2011, when asked to return to the City of Florence as the Interim Director of Human Resources, a position he held until June 2013.

Robert was a longtime member of the Springfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He was also active in a number of civic organizations including the Tennessee Valley Historical Association, City of Florence Walk of Honor Committee, LaGrange Living Historical Association, East Lauderdale Historical Society, Florence Civitan Club, Knights of Pythias, UNA Alumni Association Board, UNA Sportsman’s Club, City of Florence Civil Service Board, and was President of the City of Florence Historical Board and the City of Florence Bicentennial Committee. Robert was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Veteran’s Memorial Committee where he planned and led the Florence Memorial Day and Veterans Day Programs for many years.

Robert had a very outgoing personality, and he never missed an opportunity to chat with neighbors, former co-workers, childhood friends, or any store clerk willing to listen to his stories. He frequently initiated a conversation with, “Where do I know you from?” He also loved to share a corny joke he had heard at one of his recent civic meetings. His “gift of gab” was only surpassed by his love of food. He enjoyed Connie’s good cooking for many years and later developed a taste for “all-you-can-eat” buffets. After every meal, he asked if he could have a second helping of dessert. At family reunions and other gatherings, Robert taught his young grandsons how to properly position themselves near the beginning of the food line just prior to the blessing being offered. He and Connie were proud of their two daughters and four grandchildren. He stressed to each the importance of getting a good education where they could support themselves. Robert and Connie attended most every school and sporting event for their Madison grandsons and congratulated them following each game with a big, “High Five” and five-dollar bill. Robert’s life-long mission focused on education and hard work leading to financial security. He supported and encouraged family, friends, and UNA students with advice on obtaining a marketable degree and then saving for the future. He was quick to remind everyone that “It’s not how much you make, but how much you save!” He believed in helping others just as he was the beneficiary of extended family and community support in his quest to become the first in his family to attend and graduate from college.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife; parents; brother, Jerry Clellon Steen; sister and brother-in-law, Patricia (Bill) Ann Steen Bray. He is survived by two daughters, Marilyn Shelaine (Alex) Steen Luttrell of Madison, AL, and Julia Diane Steen Harshbarger of Apex, NC; four grandchildren, Frank “Ford” Alex Luttrell, IV, Robert Andrew Luttrell, Lila Ellis Harshbarger, and Brenson Steen Harshbarger; sister and brother-in-law, Myra Jean (Dwight) Steen Gray; sister-in-law, Charlotte Steen; one niece, three nephews, and numerous cousins. The family wishes to thank Anthony, Jamie, & John at Orion Home Care for taking such good care of him for the past year.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 1 at 10:00 a.m. at Springfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church with a funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Brother Kenny Morgan officiating. A burial with military honors will follow at Springfield Cemetery with Elkins East Chapel directing. His grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to the Springfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church.