A. G. "Tony" Kamel

Tony was born July 29, 1932 to Namie and Emily Kamel in Tyler, Texas, as one of seven children.

He attended John Tyler High School and Tyler Junior College . After college he worked for Trans Texas Airlines, an airline which had just started service to Tyler, until he was drafted into The United States Army where he served in the Signal Corps. After two years of service he was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant and returned to Tyler and Trans Texas Airways. He was soon promoted and served as a sales representative in Dallas/ Ft. Worth, District Sales Manager in Austin, and General Sales Manager in Houston. With expanding service beyond Texas, Trans Texas became Texas International and Tony was awarded promotions to Assistant Vice- President, Vice-President of Advertising, and ultimately Vice-President of Government Affairs.

After serving Trans Texas and Texas International for 20 years, Tony formed Kamel's World of Travel, a full service travel agency, in 1971. The company quickly became one of the busiest and largest travel agencies in Texas prompting Gelco Corporation, owner of many diverse companies, to purchase the business and hire Tony to oversee the company's travel offices across the southern United States. Gelco Corp. ultimately offered Tony the presidency of the company's travel division, but he chose not to move to Minnesota.

Tony then joined his life-long friend, George Korkmas and George's brother Joe, as owners and operators of National Beverage Company. At the same time, he formed AGK Leasing Company which leased cars and trucks to beer distributorships.

Finally, Tony ventured into the wholesale and retail liquor business, Tony K's Home of Fine Spirits, again with his great friend, George Korkmas. After ten successful years, Tony retired and sold the business which still bears his name today.

Tony also proudly served on the board of directors of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory and Duchesne Academy, devoting many years of hard work to both institutions.

According to Tony, "Hard work never hurt anyone, and can actually be fun. And I have had a whole lot of fun in my lifetime!"

Tony is survived by the love of his life and wife of 58 years, Dolores Eltife Kamel, his son Steve Kamel and daughter-in-law Jackie, daughter Kim Burrow and son-in-law Brad, and beloved grandchildren, Anthony Kamel, Andrew Kamel, Allison Kamel, John-Michael Kamel, Meredith Burrow, and Emma Burrow.

He is also survived by his sister Amelia Procell, Yvonne Kamel, and Yvette Kamel. Family pre-deceasing Tony include his sons Kelly J. Kamel, Ronald V. Kamel, his parents Namie and Emily Kamel, brothers Monsignor Raphael Kamel, Raymond Kamel, and sister, Sister Genevieve Kamel.

Tony wanted all of his wonderful family and friends to know how much he loved and appreciated them. He was strong, loving and full of life, and the beloved leader of our family. Words cannot express how much he will be missed.

A memorial mass is to be offered at eleven o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 29th of December at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6800 Buffalo Speedway in Houston, where Rev. Flavio Bravo, S.J., is to serve as celebrant. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent Monsignor Jamail Parish Family Center.

Prior to the service the family will gather for a private interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Mr. Kamel’s name may be directed to Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, 8900 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX, 77036; or to the charity of one’s choice.