Charles Stephen “Steve” Brown, 75, died January 8, 2026, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born May 25, 1950, in Fort Scott, to Charles Robert and Dorothy Lou (Calame) Brown.
Steve graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1968. He was the recipient of numerous awards in high school including the “Young American Award”, and set and broke several rushing records as a fullback. Following his high school graduation, he spent a summer in Uruguay after being selected as the Hutchinson Community Ambassador. After Steve returned home, he attended Hutchinson Community College and spent the year sharing his experiences in Uruguay. In 1972, Steve graduated from Southwestern College with his bachelor’s degree, where he was also a member of the Southwestern College football team.
Steve’s working career included General Manager of Bunge Grain and Ineeda Cleaners. Prior to his retirement, he was President of Unruh Fab and Unruh Fire for 10 years. Steve enjoyed hunting, golfing, hiking, and riding motorcycles. He was involved with United Way of Reno County and served as president of the Hutchinson School Board. Steve’s most “notable” accomplishment though was being founding father of the “Obnox Club”! Steve enjoyed taking part in Bible studies. He currently was attending CrossPoint Church, Hutchinson.
On May 23, 1970, he married Susan Gail Freeman, in Hutchinson.
Steve is survived by: his wife of over 55 years, Susan Brown; son, Sam Brown (Jamie), all of Hutchinson; daughter, Sarah Voth (Brian) of Wilmington, NC; and grandchildren, Carson Brown, Hannah Brown, Drake Brown all of Hutchinson, Jack Voth of Lake Wales, Florida and Lily Voth of Wilmington, NC.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert Brown.
Celebration of Life service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Elliott Chapel. Inurnment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday and 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary.
Click here to view Steve's Celebration of Life Service
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County or The Salvation Army, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.