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Stephen Douglas Broyles Obituary

Stephen Douglas Broyles

Stephen Douglas Broyles Obituary

Gainesville - Steve was known as "The Man Who Always Smiled." His smile reflected his deep connection to God and his love of life. Even during times of hardship and pain, Steve had a remarkable ability to express unconditional love through his warm and welcoming spirit. He never complained and consistently put the needs of others before his own.

His coworkers often described him as a peacemaker and frequently turned to him to help resolve conflicts. Steve had a natural gift for organization and especially enjoyed depicting data via charts and graphs.

Steve was born on September 7, 1947, in Columbus, Ohio, to Colonel Enoch Broyles and Georgina Broyles. Growing up in a loving military family with 4 siblings, he lived in 18 different homes prior to his 11th birthday. He graduated from South Hadley High School in Massachusetts in 1965. After his mother's death, his dad married Peggy Meek. This added a stepsister to the family.

At The Ohio State University, he earned a music degree majoring in organ, piano, and church music history. Continuing his education, he received his master's degree from Webster College in Public Relations and a PhD in International Relations from the University of Alabama.

Steve married Kay Porter in 1968 in Columbus, Ohio. Together they raised two children, "Porter" and Leora. Steve was deeply devoted to his family and treasured time spent with his six grandchildren. Together, they often visited extended family across the country.

Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 1969 he had a distinguished 23-year military career with a specialty of Administrative Services Officer. He was known as "Colonel Air Force Manual" because of his ability to recall regulations from memory, often citing the exact page and manual. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Steve's assignments took him around the world, including postings in Michigan, Illinois, Texas, Taiwan, South Carolina, South Korea, Washington D.C., Virginia, Germany, Italy, and Alabama.

As a civilian, Steve served as the City Manager of Muenster, Texas, for five years. He held the position of Dean of Administrative Services for North Central Texas College in Gainesville for 13 years.

He was a man who always finished what he started, a quality reflected in his many accomplishments throughout life. One of his earliest major achievements was earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He later attained black belts in both Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do; he spent many years teaching these disciplines. In later years, he became a certified instructor in Tai Chi and Qi Gong.

Over the years, his interests were wide-ranging and adventurous. They included drama, reading, bowling, scuba diving, skiing, horseback riding, square dancing, scouting, mountain climbing, hiking, camping, and traveling. He spent hours playing cards, board games and pool with his family.

He served as a church youth group leader and was active with the Faith at Work small-group ministry. He sang in the choir and served in many leadership roles at Whaley United Methodist Church. Throughout his life he attended spiritual retreats, explored world belief systems and studied shamanism all to deepen his faith.

He faithfully served on the board of Keep Muenster Beautiful for 26 years, was a longtime member of Kiwanis International and a dedicated advocate for doTERRA essential oils.

During the last year and a half of his life, he created many treasured memories at Conservatory Senior Living at Champions Forrest, which he lovingly called home.

He lived his life full of joy, laughter, and a deep appreciation for others. His kindness, leadership, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers please donate to doterrahelpinghands.org or andeaninstitute.org or Keep Muenster Beautiful (PO Box 327, Muenster Tx 76252).

Steve precedes his wife, Kay Porter Broyles; his son, Porter (Robyn); his daughter, Leora (Steven); his grandchildren: Sierra, K-K, Max, Roman, Alex, and Josie. Steve's siblings include Jan, Jef, Beth (Randy), Jennie; stepsister, Millie (Jack) and sister-in-law, (David). He was preceded in death by his parents Enoch and Georgina Broyles; stepmother, Peggy Broyles, and sister-in-law, Shelia Murray.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen Douglas, please visit our floral store.

Gainesville - Steve was known as "The Man Who Always Smiled." His smile reflected his deep connection to God and his love of life. Even during times of hardship and pain, Steve had a remarkable ability to express unconditional love through his warm and welcoming spirit. He never complained and consistently put the needs of others before his own.

Published on May 29, 2026

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