Steven Orcutt

Steven Marion Orcutt, age 80, of Iola, Kansas, passed away Sunday morning, October 19, 2025, at Heartland Meadows in Iola. He was born July 6, 1945, in Humboldt, Kansas, a son of the late Harvey M. and Velma A. (McIntyre) Orcutt.

Steven always appreciated growing up in the tight-knit community of Humboldt, where his parents and two teenage sisters (Betty and Doris) helped to create a special environment to nurture lifetime friendships. Grade school-era birthday parties, costume contests, climbing Pikes Peak, trying to hop on the Katy freight train to Chanute and hand grenade throwing lessons all contributed to the many adventures forever remembered. He and his friends from church and school were well-prepared to take on whatever life brought them.

After winning the Kansas State High School championship in Javelin in 1963, Steven started his college education on a track scholarship at Chanute Junior College. He went on to the University of Kansas, and Kansas State Teacher's College at Emporia Kansas, graduating in 1968 with a Bachelor's Degree in Art Education. His first teaching job was at Garnett High School, and after a few years he then moved to the Colony-Kincaid Schools. He finished his teaching career in the Iola School System, teaching grade school art classes.

While in college at Emporia, Steven met another art student, Cecelia Percival from Mission, Kansas. They soon fell in love and were married on June 15, 1969. Although they had no children of their own, together they nurtured and taught hundreds of children to be creative, find beauty throughout creation and to seek adventures wherever life takes them.

Remembering the adventures of their own childhood, Steven and Cecelia led the efforts to recreate the small-town events children love. Every year the annual "Halloween Celebration at the Orcutts," would close down the streets around their house; as everyone turned out to help and participate in a massive party for the kids. When you throw in the "Back-to School Moonlight Splash Swim Night," small communities have that unique ability to bring everyone together to enjoy fun and happy times. They recognized the importance of these events for the children and community.

Steven loved to sing. Entertainment came easy for him, and he recognized the many opportunities that could utilize his unique talents. The Bowlus Fine Arts center was not only the home of Cecelia's art classes, but the stage and community theatre programs provided the opportunity to do what he loved. Most memorable was his portrayal of Professor Harold Hill in "The Music Man."

Steven usually carried his camera, and was always finding that perfect artful photograph waiting to be captured. If you, a loved one or your flower garden was in that photo, he would be heading out to WalMart to get a copy to present to you (often in a nice frame). He could see beauty in just about anything, and wanted to capture that moment for you as well. This was the foundation he and his friends developed growing up in Humboldt.

His entertainment continued into his auctioneer and real estate career, where he understood the value of buyers having a good time when they were preparing to spend significant amounts of their money. As a result, not only did Steven and Cecelia manage a multitude of estate auctions and home sales in Southeast Kansas, but he became the regular auctioneer at annual art auctions in Colorado and Death Valley, California. With their combined knowledge of art and antiques, they were a powerful team, throughout their marriage of 56 years.

Steven was preceded in death by Cecelia this past May, and his parents and sisters. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

A joint memorial service for Steven and Cecelia Orcutt, who died on May 24, 2025, will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Humboldt, Kansas. Burial will follow the memorial service in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Humboldt. Visitation will be Wednesday, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, October 29, 2025, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service's The Venue, 1883 US Hwy 54, Iola, Kansas.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Bowlus Fine Arts Center or St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Humboldt Kansas, and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.