Kevin Dishon

The 1950s were known as the decade of the baby boomer. 1953 was known for Sir Edmond Hillary being the first to summit Mount Everest, the US Supreme Court ruled baseball a sport, and the first color television sets went on sale. Kevin Michael was born on August 25, 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri. He and his older brother, Bruce, were raised by their parents, John and Marian (Kuhle) Dishon.

Growing up, Kevin lived a typical childhood of the times. He attended church regularly with his family and began his formal education in the Catholic school system. Kevin later transferred to public school and graduated from Riverview Gardens High School - where he was involved in the rocket club, and ran cross-country. During these high school years, he met and began dating Denise Becker. With a strong interest in science, Kevin enrolled at the University of Missouri-Rolla where he studied chemical engineering. He and Denise joined in marriage in 1973 and shortly thereafter, welcomed home their two daughters, Charity and Melanie, born just a year apart.

Needing to provide for his family, they moved back to St. Louis, where he found employment in research and development with Watlow Electric. From there, his skillset and hard work led him to earn the title of Sales Engineer. Kevin was very knowledgeable and great with customers – leading to many successful years with the company. Kevin made many long-lasting friendships with co-workers as well as customers over the years.

By the mid-eighties, the family moved to Mt. Clemens, Michigan. This is where their son, Bryan, was born - completing their family. After several years, he took a similar job in Grand Rapids, Michigan and relocated the family one last time.

Kevin eventually left sales and went on to work at Gander Mountain where he learned the trade of gunsmithing. Kevin’s last ten years were spent at Vintage Firearms, where he was able to continue perfecting his trade. Kevin shared his various interests with his children and grandchildren, including: motorcycles, antiques, firearms, Pepsi paraphernalia, and coins. He enjoyed the opportunity to visit antique shops, looking for hidden treasures. He would look for any excuse to ride a motorcycle and often reached out to his children and friends to join him. Kevin loved spending time with his children’s families, often attending his grandkids’ sporting events, stopping by with a pizza, or taking everyone out for an impromptu ice cream get-together.

The past ten years of battling Melanoma have not been easy. Kevin was grateful for the support he received from his children and former wife as he fought his illness. Having given his all to the fight, he passed away with his family there with him. Kevin will forever be remembered for his dry sense of humor and his quirky ways. May his special friends and family reflect on the memories he leaves behind and find comfort in knowing that he is no longer in pain.

Kevin Michael Dishon, age 69, of Wyoming, Michigan, passed away on April 24, 2023, with his family by his side. Kevin married Denise Becker and they raised their family, living in St. Louis, Missouri, Mt. Clemens, Michigan, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is survived by his children (and grandchildren) Charity Dishon-Fischer and Ross Fischer (Cassondra, Alexandra, Madison), Melanie Dishon and Chris Kangas (Logan, Brodie, Mya, and Hazel), Bryan & Lissa Dishon (Finn and Elliot), and his former wife Denise Dishon. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marian (Kuhle) Dishon; brother, Bruce Dishon; and grandson, Eric Fischer.

Friends are invited to visit with his family on Saturday, April 29 from 2-4 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. A service to remember Kevin’s life and share memories will begin at 4 PM. To share a memory or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com