SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 236

In Memory

of

Cleophas R. Steele Jr.

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Dallas County in mourning the loss of Constable Cleophas R. Steele Jr., who died February 18, 2015, at the age of 69; and

WHEREAS, Cleo Steele was born on July 13, 1945; he was one of the first African Americans to graduate from Southern Methodist University School of Law, and he began his legal career by working for the Dallas Legal Services Project, which provides assistance to low-income clients in civil matters; and

WHEREAS, He went on to found one of the first black law firms in Dallas, and he was one of the city's first attorneys to sign a petition supporting the desegregation of the Dallas public schools; during those years, he also served for a time as an associate municipal judge; and

WHEREAS, He served the citizens of Dallas County for more than three decades as a justice of the peace; during his tenure, he was noted for his fairness and impartiality, his thorough knowledge of the law, and his commitment to the principle that his court belonged to the people; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Steele demonstrated his dedication to public service when he came out of retirement in 2012 to serve as constable of Dallas County Precinct 1; among the awards and honors he received through the years was the Dallas Bar Association's 2002 Martin Luther King Jr. Justice Award; and

WHEREAS, A devout Christian who practiced his faith in his daily life, he was a longtime member of Good Street Baptist Church, where he served for many years as a deacon and as a member of the board of trustees; and

WHEREAS, He was a man of courage, strength, and wisdom who gave unselfishly to others; he will be remembered for his kindness, his remarkable composure under pressure, and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest; and

WHEREAS, He was devoted to his beloved wife, Barbara, and to their children, and he will be deeply missed by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Cleophas R. Steele Jr.; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Cleo Steele.

West

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 23, 2015, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate