84R11695 JNC-D

By: Johnson H.R. No. 662

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The passing of Dallas County Constable Cleophas R. Steele Jr. on February 18, 2015, at the age of 69, concluded a remarkable life of service to the North Texas community; and

WHEREAS, Cleo Steele was born in Dallas on July 13, 1945, the son of Myrtis and Cleophas R. Steele Sr.; a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, he was the first African American from Dallas County to earn a juris doctor degree from the Southern Methodist University School of Law; and

WHEREAS, Following a stint with the Dallas Legal Services Project, during which he provided assistance to low-income clients in civil matters, this pioneering attorney established one of the first black law firms in Dallas in the early 1970s; he worked concurrently for a time as an associate municipal judge, and in 1976 he became one of the first African American justices of the peace in Dallas County; Judge Steele retired as JP in 2006, after three decades in office, but his dedication to the greater good drew him back to public service in 2012, when he accepted an appointment as constable of Precinct 1; two years later, he won election to that position; and

WHEREAS, A champion of social justice throughout his career, Judge Steele played a role in the Tasby case, which helped to desegregate area schools, and in later years, he worked with his wife, Barbara, to establish the C.A.W. Clark Legal Clinic, which opened in 1989; and

WHEREAS, Despite his many professional responsibilities, Judge Steele gave generously of his time and talents to numerous civic organizations, holding leadership positions in such groups as the DISD Ad Hoc Committee on Institutional Racism, the Walker Fair Housing Agency, the Dallas Alliance, and the Boy Scouts of America; the dean of African American lawyers in Dallas, he also served as president of the J. L. Turner Legal Association; in addition, he was a valued member of Good Street Baptist Church, where he served on the board of deacons and the board of trustees; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, Judge Steele received a host of honors for his efforts, including the MLK Justice Award from the Dallas Bar Association, the Urban League Legacy Award, and the NAACP Community Service Award; and

WHEREAS, This devoted family man enjoyed the love and encouragement of his wife, Barbara, in all of his endeavors, and he took great pride in his six children, Sheri, Keffus, Sharron, Cheronda, Cleophas, and Chrystal, and his grandson, Donald; and

WHEREAS, Admired for his consummate grace under pressure, Cleo Steele made a meaningful difference in his community, and his achievements as a civic leader and as a trailblazer will remain an enduring source of inspiration in the years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Cleophas R. Steele Jr. and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Barbara P. Steele; to his children, Sheri, Keffus, Sharron, Cheronda, Cleophas, and Chrystal; to his grandson, Donald Crear Jr.; to his goddaughter, J'Benet Moore; to his sister, Evelyn Yvonne Steele; to his brothers, Jonathan Steele and his wife, Jacquelyn, Kerry Steele and his wife, Alexis, and Basil Steele and his wife, Brenda; and to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Cleophas R. Steele Jr.