Beginning in 1935 he served as an assistant to three of Oklahoma's U.S. congressmen, Percy Lee Gassaway, Robert P. Hill, and Gomer Griffith Smith.

After the outbreak of World War II, Steed enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 29, 1942, and was assigned to the Anti-aircraft Artillery.

Steed's final congressional race in 1978 was successful although he faced a spirited challenge in the Democratic primary election from M.E.

[9] According to the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, Steed's accomplishments while serving in Congress included: Steed returned to Oklahoma and resided in Shawnee, where he remained until his death on June 8, 1983 (age 79 years, 98 days).

[12] After his death, a portion of Interstate 40 near Shawnee was renamed the "Tom Steed Memorial Highway."