Steve Myunghee Cho

Steve Myunghee Cho of Houston, TX, passed away on September 7, 2024 at the age of 79. He was born on February 7, 1945 in Sangju, South Korea where he grew up before moving to Seoul, South Korea. Steve joined the South Korean Navy and served honorably in the Vietnam War.

Steve started Empire Tools at the White Elephant Flea Market in Channelview, Texas, in 1977. He and his wife, Young Sook Cho, opened their first brick and mortar store on Long Point in Spring Branch in 1981. Steve and Young tirelessly for 47 years growing the business along with their children, John and James, serving the Greater Houston community.

Steve was actively involved in serving the Houston Korean American Community. He was a former President of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce and the first Chairman of the The Korean Community Center of Houston. He was also very active, along with his wife, at the Southwestern Son Academy, which is a Buddhist Temple, located in Spring Branch.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Sung Ho and Soon Doo, and younger brother Woo Hee Cho.

He is survived by his wife, Young Sook Cho, and his two sons, John and James Cho.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at Korea House on Saturday September 21st immediately after Visitation with the family at Forest Park Westheimer which is from 4 – 8pm.

Interment to follow at Forest Park Cemetery on Sunday the 22nd. Services will begin at 2pm and interment at 3pm.