“What’s your story?”
This was Steve’s signature question, usually posed to an unsuspecting mark while Steve sported a playful grin. Inside the family it became known as “The Question,” as it would be asked countless times to good friends and new acquaintances alike. His sons’ girlfriends were warned so they could craft a witty retort—his favorite type of response—but regardless of the answer, each person would receive his rapt attention as they spoke.
As for Steve, he was a lifelong Texas boy, growing up in Spring Branch to parents who were first-generation off-the-farm. He played football at the University of Houston and spent most of his adult life in San Antonio and Missouri City/Sugar Land. He married, raised three boys, worked in pharmaceutical sales, and was active in his church before eventually moving to Horseshoe Bay, where he passed to eternal life on January 6, 2019.
But that’s not really his story, is it?
Steve’s favorite song was “Jingle Bells” because he “knew all the words.” He had the loudest, most infectious laugh you ever heard, undoubtedly enhancing the experience for anyone in the theater when he first saw Mrs. Doubtfire. He loved to debate and discuss important issues, especially religion and politics. He had an unmistakable whistle that could be heard a mile away. He could be imposing, but rarely was, instead preferring disarming wit and warmth. He was an inveterate salesman, making fast friends of everyone he met. And he was a natural teacher and coach, always at his sharpest when communicating his insights—whether to a team of Little Leaguers, to his salesmen, or to his kids.
His favorite “Pearls of Wisdom” were replayed ad nauseum, including such hits as “It will be your best friend who offers you drugs”; “It doesn’t matter what floor you park on in the parking garage as long as you’re near the elevator”; and “Walk toward the man with the hose.” (If you want more context on any of these, ask his sons.)
But his most urgent and oft-repeated lessons were always about life’s ultimate end and purpose. As a young man, he was convinced he had made too many mistakes to deserve God’s love; he had hurt too many people to be saved. After years in the wilderness, he picked up the Bible again, searching for a loophole—a way back into God’s presence—and he found it in the redemption offered through Jesus Christ. More than anything else, this was the story of Steve’s life: the lost being found, the prodigal son returning to a father who never stopped hoping and waiting. It’s the story he would tell and retell as long as he lived: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith” and “The ONLY thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
Steve would jokingly say that the goal of The Question was to “run off the weak ones.” But in truth, it served two purposes:
So for one last time, please consider for yourself Steve’s most infamous question: What’s your story?
Steve is preceded in death by his father and mother, Guy Alton Dishman and Ella Louise Dishman. His legacy is carried on by his loving wife of nearly 41 years, Patty Coleman Dishman; his sons Ty (wife Charis, children Colt, Levi, Tatum, and Zoe), Cody (wife Chêz, children Eliza, Hazel, and Ezra), Dusty (fiancée Adalee Embesi), and Brett Alan Smith; sister Benny Kay Malone; and many friends and family, too numerous to list but not forgotten.
A come-and-go visitation and reception will be held at Marble Falls Church of Christ on Thursday, Jan 10th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at First Colony Church of Christ in Sugar Land on Saturday, January 12th at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please come prepared to share a fond memory, or—better yet—a good story.
Steve’s care entrusted to Cremation Advocates by Putnam, 206 Avenue H, Suite 204, Marble Falls, Texas 78654. (830) 798-8413. www.CremationAdvocates.net
Send your condolences:
My thoughts and prayers to the Dishman family. Steve will always be in heart. I will always remember his pearls of wisdom….
Patty, I am so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. I am living in KY now so I cannot attend his memorial but your family will be in my prayers.
What a beautiful testimony and to think it only scratched the surface of who Steve was (is) and I rejoice to know Steve is probably still asking “The Question” to all he is greeting in heaven, after all….all of our stories will continue on as we dance in the presence of the Lord Jesus! Keeping you and your family in my prayers for the days to come.
This is a lovely obituary with many word pictures of the man Steve was. He will be sorely missed by so many, especially his sweet family. My heart goes out to you all for your loss and yet rejoices that you know where Steve will spend eternity. My prayer and love to you all during your time of grief.
Condolences to the Dishman family and Benny. We were privileged to walk a part of our life’s path with you while we were in Sugar Land. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now.
Tom and Connie Moulder
Connie, I paths cross in the most unexpected ways. Thank you for your kind words. Benny Dishman Malone
Steve and I grew up in Spring Branch..but lost touch when I attended University of Texas. But we reconnected when as a Pharmacist in New Braunfels, Steve was our Drug Wholesaler Representative! It was always fun to reminisce of Spring Branch and catch up on family stories and current events. Prayers to his family.
Cindy Nelson Blue
Steve grew up around the block from my family. My condolences and prayers go to his family.
Janet Wyman Perry
I went to Spring Branch high school with Steve. He was one of those persons who everyone liked.
Steve was a good friend in High school & always wondered what happened to him. RIP
Steve, We spent a lot of time together in class, and many more hours in football at the Branch. I remember like yesterday going to your parents home in Tomball and spending the night, riding horses,etc. That was so far out of town, but I loved it, and always thought it would be a great place to live… so in 1976 my wife, Sharon and I, did just that, built a home there and stayed for 19 years. We lived on opposite sides of town, but every time we got together it was like we were together the day before.… Read more »
Steve became my friend and I will always be grateful for his kindness. He was always and will always be my favorite client! I know He will be sorely missed by so many and I am thankful for the time I got to spend in the Dishman home!
I don’t cry very often. But each time I read the loving comments of those who knew my sweet, special brother, my heart fills with joy. Then, the slow, soft tears flow. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you God for this release of sorrow.
Steve Dishman will be missed Dearly. He left many wonderful memories to a lot of people especially the Class of ‘68. He is considered, in my book of life, one of God’s Gentle Giants. My prayers go out to his Family and Friends
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dishman family. Steve was a fine man and will be missed.
I remember his tenacity on the football field at Spring Branch. He was definitely taken too soon . The family is in my thoughts and prayers. Janet Edwards Landry
Steve Dishman was the first kid to befriend me when my family moved into the Spring Branch area and I showed up for 5th grade at Ridgecrest Elementary. I was shy and lonely but he went out of his way to make me feel at home and I began to think my new neighborhood was going to be a good place in which to live and grow up in after all. I continued to think highly of Steve throughout high school and was proud of him for getting a football scholarship to U of H. He wrote a lovely memorial… Read more »
Steve we will always miss and love you. It’s only a brief time before we all meet again. Love you Steve. P.S. have me a mini pecan pie when we meet again.