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
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 23, 2015,
by a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate