TRIBUTE: STEPHEN SHORT, NOV 1957-NOV 2024

MR is saddened to report the passing of Stephen Short, who died on November 3rd at age 66 after a long battle with frontotemporal dementia.

Stephen was born in Iowa and graduated from Western Illinois University. He worked in the apparel industry for almost 40 years, the last 14 running his own company, Designer Apparel Group.

“Steve’s career was full of successes in many areas of the men’s apparel & footwear business,” says colleague and good friend Jim Bourg. “He was so well respected and trusted by so many on ‘both sides of the aisle.’ He was one of the really good guys. Although his illness took him away from day-to-day operations, he was still considered an important part of the Global Apparel Alliance he helped establish. I must especially acknowledge Steve’s wife, Connie. She has been by his side, taking great care of him through some very trying times.”

Bruce Schedler, formerly of the Chicago Apparel Mart, remembers a wonderful colleague and friend. “I’ve known Steve for a long time and he was one of the kindest, nicest people in the menswear industry. He was loved by everyone who knew him; he was as genuine as they come.”

Colleague Jim Sweeney has worked with Steve since the late 1970s. “We both started working for the Arrow Shirt Company. After Arrow, Steve and I both ended up working for the Enro Shirt Company/The Apparel Group. After Enro went out of business, Steve and I decided to join forces and help establish the Global Apparel Company featuring Cooper&Stewart and Thomas Dylan dress shirts. Steve also initiated several successful private label projects through his own company, Designer Apparel Group. He was a special person and a true friend, easy to work with and very well liked. He will be greatly missed.”

Steve is survived by his mother, Marlene Short; his wife of 43 years, Connie; his daughters Stevie Short and Kelly Dears, his son Joe Short, and five adoring grandchildren. He is also survived by devoted sisters Mary and Ann, brothers Bill and Jim, many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, family members and tons of good friends. All those who knew Steve can confirm that his greatest joy was spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He also loved to travel, especially when it involved visiting family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at All Saints Catholic Church, 310 South 9th Street, Keokuk, Iowa, on Sat, Dec 28th, at 10:30 am. Reception to follow at Keokuk Yacht Club, 2029 River Rd.

An additional service to celebrate Steve’s life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 6000 Moriss Rd, Flower Mound, Texas, on Sat Jan 4 at 1:00 pm.

For those so inclined, donations in Steve’s memory can be made to The Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration at theaftd.org.