Steven James Punches, a longtime Dallas resident, passed away on July 21, 2026, at the age of 72. A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, in the Interfaith Chapel at Cathedral of Hope UCC, 5910 Cedar Springs Road.
He was born on July 8, 1954, in Denver to Marilyn Hand Punches and Richard Gene Punches. He grew up in Indianapolis where he graduated from North Central High School. Steve attended Ball State University before transferring to the University of Evansville, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in Theater. While at Evansville, he embraced his love of the performing arts, acting in and serving as stage manager for many community plays.
In 1980, Steve moved to Dallas, the city he would proudly call home for the rest of his life. He earned a paralegal certificate from Southern Methodist University before discovering his true professional calling in men’s retail clothing and became, in every sense of the word, a haberdasher. He spent much of his career with Rochester Big & Tall, later DXL, where his knowledge, enthusiasm, impeccable taste and genuine interest in his customers made him an accomplished and consistently top-performing salesperson.
Steve took great pleasure in helping men look and feel their best, and his own personal style was unmistakable. He had a remarkable eye for clothing and a natural ability to make everyone around him feel more confident and handsome.
At six feet, eight inches tall, Steve naturally stood out wherever he went. He was a member and former president of the Tall Texans, an organization that celebrated the unique camaraderie and experiences of exceptionally tall people.
Steve was a devoted member of the Turtle Creek Chorale for more than 20 years, where he found friendship, music, laughter, and a creative community that meant a great deal to him.
He was also a proud member of the Chorale’s wonderfully irreverent “Ballerhinos,” a group of tall men who brought humor and theatrical flair to their performances.
Steve loved to travel and was fortunate to see many parts of the world. He also had a passion for mid-century modern architecture and for many years owned a stunning mid-century modern home in Richardson. His appreciation for design was reflected not only in his home but in virtually everything around him. Beauty, style, and individuality mattered to Steve.
Perhaps most importantly, Steve was an extraordinarily generous person. He supported many organizations and causes that were meaningful to him, often quietly and without seeking recognition. His generosity was one of the many ways he expressed his care for the people, institutions, and communities he loved.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sister, Sally Punches Davies, and her husband, Tom Davies; his niece, Sarah Freaney, and her husband, Will Freaney; his nephew, Tom Davies, and his wife, Margaret O’Connell; and his great-nieces, Jameson and Reese Freaney.
Steve will be remembered for his extraordinary height, impeccable style, theatrical spirit, love of music and the arts, adventurous nature, generosity, and the warmth and friendship he gave so freely to the many people whose lives he touched. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, music, friendship, generosity, and unmistakable style. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.