Stephen Allen Kemble

Steve was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on March 19, 1932, as the youngest son of Abe and Hazel Kemble. Soon after, his family moved to East Texas. He had many fond memories of his childhood years in Beaumont, TX. The family settled in Orange, TX, where Steve graduated from Stark HS in 1950. He was President of the student body, Salutatorian of his senior class, and was named All-District in both football and track. After high school, Steve attended The University of Texas at Austin to study Mechanical Engineering. While attending "The University", he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he spent time as an instructor at their engineering school in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. After his discharge, he returned to UT to complete his studies in Engineering and Business Administration. While attending UT, he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, serving as President. Steve remained a life-long Longhorn football fan, with one of the highlights of his life being in attendance at their national championship game in 2005. While at UT, Steve met the love of his life, Joan Bertrand of Port Arthur, TX. They married in 1957 and returned to Orange where Steve worked for his father in his mechanical contracting business. This is also where they spent their children's earliest years. While in Orange, Steve served as city councilman and on many other civic organizations. He was also honored by the Orange Junior Chamber of Commerce as recipient of the Howard S. Peterson "Outstanding Young Man of the Year" award.

In 1968, Steve moved his family to Houston, TX to continue his career in mechanical contracting as Vice President with The Emde Co. for the next 20 years. Steve was involved in the planning and construction of many of the significant buildings in downtown Houston, The Texas Medical Center, The Galleria and throughout the country. Steve then served as Chairman and CEO of Straus Systems, completing similar projects as at Emde. True to his incredible work ethic, upon retirement from Straus, Steve continued to consult for various companies for another 20 years. Steve and Joan joined Tallowood Baptist Church in 1969. Steve was faithful in raising his children in the Christian faith with the love and support of their Tallowood family. He served the church in many capacities including as deacon, teacher, director and on various committees. He and Joan especially enjoyed their years directing the Harvesters Young Adults. They are grateful for the many lifelong friends and relationships made throughout the years. Steve was an avid golfer and served on many golf committees, as well as the Board of Directors at Pine Forest Country Club, where he was an active member for over 50 years. On the golf course, Steve made many life-long friends, 3 "holes-in-one" and "shot his age" 7 times. Steve also enjoyed hunting, snow skiing and traveling the world with family and friends. One of the family's greatest memories is of our annual family vacations.

Steve is survived by his wife Joan, son Stephen Kemble Jr. (wife Mollie), his daughters Lori Owen (husband Rick) and Kari Smith (husband Gale), granddaughters Kemble Smith Witt (husband Zach), Andrea Owen Kelly (husband Nathan), Kaitlyn Smith, grandson Stephen Davis Owen, great-grandson Henry Witt, and great-granddaughter Harding Witt.

Steve was a true gentleman and a man of faith, who loved people and was beloved by many. His friends and family will remember his boundless energy, incredible work ethic, his always¬positive attitude, his easy laughter, his sense of humor and his enormous zest for life. He will be greatly missed by many. The celebration of Steve's life will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 11 :00 a.m. at Tallowood Baptist Church (555 Tallowood Dr, Houston, TX 77024) in the Chapel, with a reception to follow.

The family is especially grateful to Sherry Home Care and her wonderful team of caregivers, Arnold, Michael, Melonie and Co-Shanna, who were with him on his final journey. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be made to Tallowood Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.