Stephen R. Ward

Stephen R. Ward, 75, long time Pittsburg businessman died Sunday, January 22, 2023, at his residence.

Mr. Ward was born January 26,1947, in Pittsburg, KS, to Chester M. and Juanita R. (Armstrong) Ward. He attended Pittsburg schools graduating from Pittsburg High School in 1965. Steve attended Ft. Scott Junior College and Pittsburg State University. He was united in marriage to Carol Christine Brent on September 2, 1967 at College Heights United Methodist Church. She survives at the home.

Mr. Ward served in the Kansas Army National Guard from 1967 to 1974. He then worked for Dillard’s Department Stores for six years moving back to Pittsburg to become associated with his parents in operating Brenner Mortuary. He then took over the business in 2000 after his father passed away. Steve retired in 2019 because of health reasons.

Membership was held at the College Heights United Methodist Church.

He was also a member of the Marvin Armstrong Masonic Lodge #187, York Rite Bodies, Mirza Shrine and Royal Order of Jesters Court 95. He also served as past Chairman for the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce. Steve also served on the Pittsburg State University Foundation as a trustee and trustee emeritus, was a former member of the Pittsburg Sunrise Rotary and served as president and was a Paul Harris Fellow. Mr. Ward also was a former board member First State Bank, former board member and Past President of USD 250 Board of Education, a founder, and former Board Member for the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.

In addition to his wife Chris, he is survived by two sons, Jason R. Ward and his wife Teresa of McCune, KS, and Craig S. Ward and his wife Jill of Pittsburg, KS; three grandchildren, Zachary Ward, Lillian Ward, and Dylan Ward; a brother David Ward and his wife June of Lindale, TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Pamela Ward Andersen.

A Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 27, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church. Private family burial will follow at the Highland Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at Brenner Mortuary. The family suggests memorials to the Pittsburg USD #250 Foundation and/or the Steve and Christine Ward Scholarship at Pittsburg State University. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.

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