Stephen Dallas Coney passed away on March 22, 2021 In Houston, Texas at  the age of 78. He was born on November 13, 1942 in Coffeyville, Kansas to George and Marietta Coney.  Steve is survived by his wife, Linda (who he was married to for 48 years); Daughter Diana;  Son David and Daughter-in-law Andrea;  Grandchildren Kendall, Caleb and Colton Coney; his sister Susan and her children Samantha, Matthew and Tori as well as countless family and friends.
When his nation called he answered by joining the  Navy. He served in Vietnam on the USS Oriskany aircraft carrier and kept their gunnery radar fully operational.  He made many friends and loved to tell his Navy stories for hours at a time to all who would listen. Post military service, he earned a BA in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Texas, Austin.  He worked as a computer programmer at IBM where he worked on famed projects such as the Apollo Mission, Skylab and numerous shuttle missions where he was on the team who wrote the codes.
Steve managed to beat cancer after a three year battle, however his lungs just could not hold out anymore due to his Interstitial Lung Disease.  Steve’s last words before going on the ventilator were letting his loved ones know how proud he was of them as well as his work during his IBM years stating. “ I had a wide circle of friends and some good times but they were only getting better.  I had wonderful children, a wonderful wife and a wonderful life.”
His passions included luxury cruises, deep-sea snapper fishing trips with David and friends on the Boston Whaler and visiting Diana’s Palm Springs getaway where they drank Coconut martinis and he regaled guests with his many life stories.  His long anticipated next adventure was returning to Kobe, Japan which has always been a special place in his heart.  Steve loved to laugh and tell stories and if anyone needed help he was first in line to lend a hand, no matter how dirty the job. He would often build things in the garage and had more tools per square foot in that garage than anyone would dream possible.  He liked to joke with people and would give his list of credentials. He would say he has a degree in mathematics from a major university, is a retired computer programmer, Vietnam Veteran, cancer survivor, licensed fisherman and a Kroger Plus card member.  If you ever asked him what he wanted to drink he would always reply,” Chateau Lafite Rothschild 56″. Most of the time he settled for water. Steve loved breakfast and not a day went by that he did not have bacon and eggs and toast. It was like a  beautiful dance in the kitchen watching him cook, with over 60 years of experience, making the same breakfast. He was also skilled at smoking brisket and fed thousands of people between Linda’s piano recitals, pottery events and his work with the Holy Smokers cooking team at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. He had a deep faith in Christ and rejoiced and gave thanks for each day on this Earth. He fought so hard to keep living but was not afraid of death as he knew what comes after. He said death is kind of a graduation and you move on to something so much better.
He loved his family enormously and wished he had been able to celebrate 50 years of marriage with his bride, Linda. He was a loving Father and Grandfather and was so proud of his kids and grandkids. They called him DGS which stands for Dashing Grandpa Steve. He was so happy to get to pick his name to be called by his Grandkids and he chose wisely. DGS loved spending time with them and would do whatever he could to help them any time.  He lived a life of purpose and made this world a better place.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Neuroendocrine tumor research at MD Anderson or Interstitial Lung Disease research at Memorial Hermann, but continuing his true legacy would be in helping anyone you come across who is in need.  There will be a ceremony at the Houston VA Cemetery to honor his service to his country.  Date and time TBD