Robert Kreplin Kamrath

ROBERT KREPLIN KAMRATH, 85, of Houston, died October 11, 2002, at Brighton Gardens Bellaire. He was born on June 5, 1917, in Austin, Texas, a son of Gottlieb A. and Martha Kreplin Kamrath. He graduated from Austin High School in 1935, and from the University of Texas in 1939 with a degree in Business Administration. He was retired from the real estate business. He was a member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder. He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1942 1946 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Mr. Kamrath played competitive tennis for more than 50 years. He holds the distinction of having national rankings in all divisions boys, juniors, adults, and seniors. He was once ranked 14th in men's singles and 8th in doubles. Kamrath played for the United States on six Gordon Cup teams (vs. Canada) and four Osuna Cup teams (vs. Mexico). He was a member of the International Lawn Tennis Association, president of the Houston Tennis Patrons Association, and vice-president of the Texas Tennis Association. He was inducted into the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame in 1982 and into the UT Longhorn Hall of Honor in 1999. He was one of the original members of the Houston Racquet Club. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, James Robert Kamrath, in 1999; and two brothers, Karl F. Kamrath, Sr., and Harold A. Kamrath. He is survived by his wife of 60 years. Nancy Cochran Kamrath; a daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne and Dr. Richard C. Kelly, of Fairmont, West Virginia; two grandchildren, Allison S. Kelly of Spartanburg. S.C., and Colin K. Kelly and his wife Kelly of Mableton, GA; sister-in-law Jeannie Kamrath Gonzales of Houston; and several nieces and nephews. In keeping with his wishes, the remains will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 26, 2002 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 5308 Buffalo Speedway. Interment will be in Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, Austin, TX. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.