Phil Camus
1935-2018
Former Harris County Precinct Five Constable Phil Camus died on June 28, 2018 from a heart attack. He was born in Sopchoppy, Florida on December 28,1935. Camus came from Florida to Houston as a young man in his late teens and joined the Air Force for four years.
After leaving the Air Force, he joined the Houston Police Department in 1957, and remained there for twenty-eight years occupying many diverse leadership positions starting in the Patrol Division, moving to be a traffic enforcement officer, and finally serving in the Special Operations Unit. Prior to leaving the Houston Police Department, he achieved the rank of Sergeant.
In 1984, Camus joined Harris Count Precinct Five under the leadership of then Constable Steve Radak. He started in Civil/writs but was transferred to Patrol, where he quickly rose from deputy, up through the ranks to Chief Deputy, serving under Constable Glen Cheek. After the passing of Glen Cheek, Camus was appointed by Commissioners Court to serve as Constable for the remainder of Glen Check's term. Phil Camus then won two elections, serving for eight additional years in the role of Constable of Precinct Five prior to his retirement on December 31, 2016. He was truly a gentle man, and he was loved by many for his sensitive and steady leadership at Precinct Five. Under his direction, Precinct Five thrived. In 1988, he married the love of his life, Margaret Sheely, and they together enjoyed many special years in Houston and in Galveston. Camus loved law enforcement and dedicated his life to protecting and serving the people of Houston and Harris County. In addition to many contributions to Precinct Five, his particular love of animals led him to establish the Canine Division at Precinct Five, a unique addition to the department. He served fifty-nine years in law enforcement serving the people of Houston and Harris County.
Phil Camus never met a stranger and was held in high regard by many people both in law enforcement and the private sector. After retirement in December of 2016, he volunteered at the SPCA for a time. He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Sheely of thirty years, a daughter Susan Paige Camus and a son Lance Camus. In lieu of flowers, any donations are encouraged to be made to the and the SPCA or any charity that prevents cruelty to animals. He will be truly missed by many.
Memorial Services will be held at St. Paul United Methodist Church at 5501 Main Street at 12:30 pm on July 13, 2018. A reception shall immediately follow the memorial service. Published in Houston Chronicle on July 8, 2018