Brian Edward Soistman

Brian Edward Soistman was born on April 14, 1963, in Albuquerque, NM, the third child of Wilmer and Mary Soistman. He departed this life on May 16, 2025 at his home.

Brian graduated from Alamogordo High School in Alamogordo, NM and then went to Cochise College in Douglas, AZ on a full ride basketball scholarship.  This is where he met his wife, Valerie (Bloss) Soistman. Brian was named the Junior College Player of the Year his sophomore season.  After receiving his Bachelor of Arts from Cochise, he attended the University of Wyoming, NMSU and Western New Mexico University playing basketball. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Western New Mexico.

His teaching experience included 32 years in the Brazosport Independent School District teaching history at Lake Jackson Intermediate and Brazoswood High School.  Brian was named Teacher of the Year for Brazoswood High School during his time as well as Teacher of the Month numerous times. He coached a lot of volleyball and some basketball during his time in education. Stories of Coach Soistman are still making their way through the halls, classrooms and gym at Brazoswood.

Brian spent most of his days educating, and entertaining, his students with his witty humor, sarcasm and numerous puns. In addition, he spent thousands of hours on the volleyball court, instructing and inspiring his athletes to dream big and achieve the impossible. He also spent time playing in multiple volleyball adult leagues and Nationals, surrounded by a loving community of friends. All of whom, referred to him jokingly as “Tiny”. When he wasn’t playing in his own tournaments, he was chasing around his son (Bryson) and daughter (Marissa) in their respective sports, which included but were not limited to: volleyball, basketball, football, baseball, softball, dance, track, and tennis. He was the most supportive parent and mentor to his two children, and best traveling partner to his wife, Valerie. On days off, Brian could be found out on the water, fishing, usually with friends or family. Fishing became one of his favorite pastimes, and the water became a second home for him. In the summers, Brian truly delighted in traveling with his family. His favorite place that he wanted to return to year and year again was the Conejos Valley in Colorado; this is where he requested his ashes to be spread by his family after his passing. He loved the Conejos River’s serenity, primitiveness, and of course, the plethora of fishing to be done. Brian was a beloved and respected figure of his family, community, BISD, and so many other spaces.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, Red and Mary Soistman, and leaves behind many to cherish his powerful memory including: his wife of 39 years, Valerie, one daughter, Marissa, and one son, Bryson.  He also leaves his loving sister, Jamie Giddens (Robert), and brothers Will Jr. (Lynn) and Greg as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, May 27th 2025 at 1:00pm. It will take place at the First Baptist Church in Brazoria, 101 E San Bernard St Brazoria, TX 77422. The family will receive friends at the reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Brian’s memorial fund that directly benefits M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. https://mdanderson.donordrive.com/campaign/BrianSoistman

Final arrangements entrusted to Dixon Funeral Home of Brazoria (979)798-9113.

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