Steve Kamel

Steve Anthony Kamel passed away on Thursday, the 18th of December 2014, at the age of 59 of complications from a stroke. Steve was born on the 8th of September 1955, to Anthony G. and Dolores Kamel in Tyler, Texas. He grew up in Houston and graduated from Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in 1974. He went on to receive his BA at the University of Texas at Austin. After graduating from college, he received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University Of Houston School Of Law in 1981. During his time in law school, Steve was an associate editor of the Houston Law Review, was on the University Mock Trial championship team and the National Mock Trial team, served as an associate Chief Justice of the Honor Court, and earned the American Jurisprudence Award for Remedies and Criminal Law.

He began his legal career in 1981, was board-certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of legal specialization in 1986 and he is a member of the American Association for Justice. Steve eventually opened his own firm in November 2003.

Steve was forever volunteering and was active on the Pastoral Council and the School Board at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Houston. He was also past president of the Strake Jesuit Alumni Association and served on the Board of Directors for many years.

Steve was married for 35 years to his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Jackie, since 1979. He leaves behind his mother, Dolores Kamel, his sister, Kim Burrow, her husband Brad, and his four children, Anthony Kamel, Andrew Kamel, Allison Kamel and John-Michael Kamel. He also leaves behind one grandson, Kane Kamel. He is preceded in death by his father A. G. "Tony" Kamel, his brother Ronald Kamel, and his infant daughter.

Steve was a special person and a quintessential family man who touched the lives of so many and leaves behind countless family and friends that will miss him terribly. He never hesitated to lend a hand, offer support, or take someone in when they needed help. He taught those around him what it meant to be a modest, genuine, and honest man. He received The Ignatian Award from Strake Jesuit in 2009 in honor of these qualities that he displayed so well. He was a pillar of strength and stability to all around him. Sadly, he sustained a life-changing stroke in 2013, leaving him with disabilities. Everything he did was for his immense love for his family. These words are from his children:

“Our dad taught us that dreams come true with hard work and diligence, that we can do anything we set our minds to, to aim high and have no fear. He has shown us to be humble when victorious, stay true to values and morals, give back when we can, and treat a friend like family. Through him, no job is small, and to always give it our all. He is strong, giving up is not an option, and persistence is key. He exemplifies that you do it not just for yourself, but also for those you love.”

The family would like to thank everyone for their incredible amount of love and support.

Steve will be honored in a memorial mass on Monday, the 22nd of December 2014, at eleven o’clock in the morning at the Parsley Center of Strake Jesuit High School with Fr. Flavio Bravo, SJ officiating. Immediately following, all are invited to a reception of celebration and family visitation. Prior to the service the family will have gathered for a private interment.

In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider a memorial contribution to the Steve Kamel Scholarship Fund at Strake Jesuit College Prep, 8900 Bellaire Boulevard in Houston, to the HARC or to a charity of your choice in his memory.