CANYON LAKE, TX  - Steven Dhu  Hosford, recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, died suddenly of an apparent heart attack on Sunday, November 24, 2019 while doing what he truly loved best ~deer hunting. Steve was born July 7, 1946 in Keokuk, IA to Eldon Maxwell Hosford, Sr. and Lenora Dowling Hosford.

Steve grew up and went to school in  Hamilton, IL. At  Hamilton High School   (1960-1963), he excelled in   a   variety   of   sports, especially football. In 1963, his family moved to Ruston, LA where he graduated with the Ruston High School Class of 1964.

From 1970-1974, Steve served in the US Air Force, providing him travel opportunities in Europe and Asia. At the time of his honorable discharge, SGT. Hosford served as a Veterinary Specialist at the USAFE  Hospital Upper Heyford, England.

Steve began his civilian life in North Carolina. He worked for W.W. Grainger in Charlotte and Raleigh, where he was promoted to outside sales and relocated to Greensboro to cover a new sales territory. He was married previously to Melanie Moriene Wells of Greensboro.

Moving to Houston in 1980, Steve owned and operated The Dhu Company, Inc., a trash removal firm serving commercial properties throughout the Greater Houston Area. After selling DHUCO he began a career in commercial property management with several firms as a Lead Building Engineer.

Steve "retired" to Canyon Lake, TX in 2009 and started working on perfecting his retirement with dove and deer hunting, BBQ cook-offs as Chief Cook of the Original Kowboy Kookers,drinking his beloved Budweiser (NO Bud Light allowed!), and a sleep pattern that was all his own.  He   was   also   an   avid   NASCAR   fan   and   fisherman   including   many   years  serving  as Executive  Director  at  the  Noswad  Fishing  Tournament.   Retirement  didn't  last  long  ~  Steve became   a   bus  driver   for   the  Comal   Independent  School   District   for   several  years   and  was affectionately known as "Mr. Steve".

Steve was preceded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his brother, Eldon Maxwell   Hosford,  Jr.   and  wife,  Pam;  his  sister,  Elizabeth   (Ellison)   Weingart;   his   nephews Michael   Stewart   Ellison   and   wife,   Jennifer  (Green)   and   son,   Matthew;  Charles   Christopher Ellison and wife, Dr. Brittain (Callahan) and children, Anna and Thomas.  Survivors include many wonderful cousins, Hosford's and Dowling's, who are located across the country.

Visitation   and   service   will   be   on   Saturday,   December   14,   2019,   at   11:00   a.m. at Owens Memorial Chapel at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 2300 W California Ave, in Ruston, LA 71270. Interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Steve's memory to the "Make a Wish Foundation".

A Celebration of Life for Steve will be held Wednesday, December 18, 2019 from 6:00 ~ 8:00p.m.   at   his   favorite   watering   hole   "Little   Woodrow's   Bellaire",  4235   Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, TX.  If unable to attend, raise a "Bud" to Steve and remember a happy moment.