Joseph Dishman

Joseph “Tony” Dishman was born Joseph Anthony Dishman on November 11, 1898, in Pensacola, Florida, to Charles Hunter Dishman and Ellen Nelly Delano Hodge Dishman. He was raised in Henderson, Kentucky, where he developed into one of the state’s outstanding young athletes before enrolling at the University of Kentucky. During his time in Lexington, Dishman became one of the University’s most respected student leaders, earning recognition in athletics, fraternity life, and campus organizations. He later continued his education at Westminster College in Pennsylvania.

A 6-foot guard, Dishman played for Kentucky during the 1917-18 and 1918-19 basketball seasons, appearing in 22 varsity games and scoring 52 career points. He helped the Wildcats capture a share of the 1918 state championship and served as co-captain of the 1918-19 team. Although never a prolific scorer, contemporary accounts consistently praised his all-around play, describing his passing, defensive ability, physical style, and leadership as invaluable to Kentucky’s success. The 1920 Kentuckian called him “without doubt” the team’s best all-around player, praised his marvelous defensive play, and likened his importance to the Wildcats to that of “a trunk to a tree.” He finished his basketball career with a personal-best 10-point performance against Tennessee on February 28, 1919.

Dishman was equally accomplished on the football field and ranks among Kentucky’s early two-sport standouts. He earned varsity letters in both sports, captained the Wildcat football team during the 1919 season, and was recognized as an All-Kentucky football player. Contemporary accounts praised his versatility, noting his work as a blocker, tackler, punt returner, and leader. Beyond athletics, Dishman served as president of the Kentucky Epsilon chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, was a member of the Keys honorary society, and participated in the Student Army Training Corps during World War I.

Following his time at Kentucky, Dishman entered the automobile business and founded Tri-City Oldsmobile in Louisville in 1937. He became one of Kentucky’s most respected automobile dealers and civic leaders, serving as president of the Kentucky Automobile Dealers Association and the Greater Louisville Automobile Dealers Association, president of the Better Business Bureau of Louisville, and a director of Liberty National Bank. He also chaired the board of Bellewood Presbyterian Home for Children and remained a loyal supporter of the University of Kentucky as a UK Fellow. Dishman died on March 21, 1993, at the age of 94.