Gerald Steve Underwood, 74, of Coldwater, KS passed away on June 30,2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family. The oldest of three children, Steve was born on January 26,1950 in Las Vegas, New Mexico to Leon Nathan and Nora Marvalene (Bryant) Underwood.

Steve grew up living in various places including Virginia, Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma before his family settled in Liberal, KS. As a kid, Steve enjoyed riding his bike with friends, going to the swimming pool, and mowing. In his teen years, he could be found with his best friends fiddling with cars or going on mischievous adventures. They all found it exciting to jump on his friend's horses and go bareback riding. That began Steve's fondness of horses which continued well into adulthood. Hunting was also a favorite activity for Steve, which started as a child and carried on into a hobby with his sons and grandsons.

Steve attended Liberal High School where he graduated in 1969. He participated in football, baseball, and track. After high school, Steve joined the United States Army, serving from 1970-1973. He was stationed at Fort Carson, CO where he was a field artillery soldier and served on the rifle team. He often reminisced of his time participating in shooting competitions, and humbly spoke of qualifying as first alternate to the 1972 Olympic rifle team. As a soldier, he also spent one year in Ansbach, Germany where his job changed to motor pool mechanic.

Steve moved to Coldwater in 1978 while working for Jayhawk Pipeline. He worked with the company for 37 years, retiring in 2012. In 1994, Steve met his love of 30 years, Beth Bayne. Together they have eight children; Steven, Cora, Slade, Stetsen, Jason, Daphne, Tracy, and Kayden.

Steve was a member of the Coldwater United Methodist Church, being baptized and attending there for several years. Steve continued to profess his faith in Jesus Christ to the very end.

As a supporter of Coldwater and South Central Schools, Steve always attended school and sporting events to cheer on his kids. He later delighted in being Poppy and traveling to watch his grandkids play.

Steve could often be found on his mower, tinkering in the barn or on a vehicle, taking care of their animals, shooting the breeze with his neighbor friend, listening to his favorite rock songs, or finding an old movie to watch (the majority of which would be Clint Eastwood movies, his favorite holiday movies, or old classics). He believed a movie could never be watched too many times. When he didn't have a movie on, Steve was sure to be watching a sporting event or the news. Before his health began to slow him down, Steve was a runner and competed in a number of 5k races. He and Beth took many family vacations, including an annual ski trip to New Mexico for several years where he had fun racing grandkids down the slopes.

Steve loved the quiet country life with Beth, especially evenings sitting on the front porch talking. His dream of owning horses was attained when they moved just south of town. A highlight for Steve was riding in two of the Merrill Ranch Trail Rides that he enjoyed tremendously.

Steve never knew a stranger, always smiling and often engaging in a friendly conversation. When the opportunity arose, he always lended a helping hand in whatever way he could. He will be greatly missed by many.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Beth Bayne; his sons Steven Underwood, Wichita, KS; Slade Underwood, Wilmore, KS; Stetsen Underwood and wife Ahad, Coldwater, KS; Jason Bond and wife Amanda of Indianapolis, IN; and Kayden Bond, Coldwater, KS; daughters Cora Shirley and husband Ryan, Wichita, KS; Daphne Lehman and husband James, Manhattan, KS; and Tracy Fowler, Turpin, OK; grandchildren: Jada Bruce, Emily, Nora, Johnny, and Steve Shirley; Jace Underwood; Malcolm Underwood; Braxton, Riley, and Reagan Fowler; Sydney and Jack Lehman; sister Debra Busby; as well as many other family members and friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, sister Toni Montes, brother-in-law Larry Busby Sr, niece Lori Busby, and son-in-law Dusty Fowler.

Steve requested a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Interim Hospice of Pratt, KS, or Comanche County Sheriff's Office Building Fund in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.