Stephen H. Barnhart, age 73, Wichita, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Steve was born to Margaret and Howard Barnhart on March 31, 1947 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1965, then served in the United States Marine Corps from 1965-1969. After serving his country, he attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, graduating in 1973.

Steve worked 20 years for the YMCA as a program director. He also worked for the United States Postal Service as a rural letter carrier for 25 years before retiring. During his time at the postal service, he served as a leader on the board of the Kansas Rural Letter Carrier Association.

His greatest love was spending time with his friends, children and grandchildren. You would always see him in the stands at their events and providing friendly conversation to all he would meet.  One of his greatest attributes was his ability to talk to everyone and come away with a friend. He supported many charities and always loved a good raffle drawing. He also supported the postal service by mailing anything he could, and rarely missed mailing birthday cards.

Steve was a great friend to many, and enjoyed attending, watching and participating in sports with family and friends. He was an avid sports fan, especially of golf and handball, and enjoyed trips to the casino with his sister and son. He loved to eat out and enjoy ice cream and French fries with the grandkids, as he was a big kid himself.

Steve's life will be forever cherished by his daughter Natalie (Tyson) Woolsoncroft of Valley Center, KS and sons Stephen Barnhart of Wichita, KS and Ryan (Abby) Barnhart of Wichita, KS; grandchildren, Garrett Woolsoncroft, Lauren Woolsoncroft, Emma Barnhart; nieces Monica (Carter) Raley of Allen, TX and Kimberly (Brian) Waletich of Mankato, MN; Wynona Powell of Bryant, AR; Vivian Taylor of OK and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Tonda L. Townsend; stepfather, J.R. Coffee; brother, Michael Barnhart in infancy.

We are so blessed for the love and support provided by Harry Hynes Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in Steve's name to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202.

Services will be held Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Baker Funeral Home in Valley Center. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the service following at 10:00 a.m. Graveside honors will be at Valley Center Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com.