Steven Ernest Forehand

Steven Ernest "Steve" Forehand, age 72, of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away on January 29, 2026, at Via Christi Villages in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Steve was born on September 30, 1953, in Long Beach, California, to Bill and Louise Forehand. He attended Glendale High School in Springfield, Missouri, before moving to Pittsburg, Kansas, where he graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1972. While in high school, Steve met the love of his life, Patricia Anne "Patty" Bendt. They were married on May 31, 1974, and shared 48 years of marriage filled with love, faith, and companionship.

Steve worked for ten years at McNally in Pittsburg, Kansas, and briefly at The Morning Sun newspaper. He later found his true calling working with troubled youth at the Southeast Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center, where he served with compassion, patience, and dedication. His career was cut short in 1999 following a car accident that left him disabled.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Steve was a longtime member of Pittsburg Baptist Temple, where he served as song leader for more than 20 years. He later became a member of Independent Bible Baptist Church in Pittsburg, Kansas. Music and worship were central to his life, and he viewed ministry as a calling rather than a role.

Steve enjoyed biking across Kansas with his mother, photography, woodworking, and traveling with his wife, Patty. He will be remembered for his servant's heart, quiet strength, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family and faith.

He was preceded in death by his father, Reverend Buddy William Forehand; his mother, Jettie Louise (Ellers) Forehand; his beloved wife, Patricia Anne (Bendt) Forehand; his sister-in-law, Tinna Marie Bendt; and his brother-in-law, William Henry Bendt III.

Steve is survived by his brother, Thomas M. Forehand of Joplin, Missouri; his brother-in-law, Kenneth W. Bendt of Girard, Kansas; his sisters-in-law, Nancy L. Bendt of Pittsburg, Kansas, and Nishua F. Phillips and her husband, David R. Phillips, of Republic, Missouri; along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great-nephews.

Steve will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers family would like donations to the Independent Bible Baptist Church.

Memorial service will be Thursday, February 12th at 2pm at Bath Naylor in Pittsburg, Kansas. There will be no graveside services.