About Us

 Dr. Estep is a boarded veterinary anatomic pathologist with a clinical slant. He was born in Bryan, Texas but moved to Oklahoma State University in 1992. He spent one year in feedlot and equine medicine in Western Kansas before joining the Army. 

During his 20-year Army career, he spent 5 years running busy small animal practices in Missouri and Germany, 3 years in veterinary pathology residency, 4 years in neurology and ocular research, and 8 years in wound healing, shock and hemorrhage control research. Specifically, he supported development of the one-handed tourniquet and topical hemostatic dressing that have been credited with saving the lives of hundreds of wounded Soldiers and patients in both combat and civilian trauma around the world. 

Dr. Estep is an adjunct professor at Texas A&M University, and the Army Medical Center and School, and has lectured and taught around the U.S. and Europe on cytology, diagnostic necropsy, Chagas disease, feline enteritis, and “Getting the Most From Pathology.” He has 36 scientific and clinical publications including two book chapters. 

Dr. Estep retired from the Army 30 September 2013, but got a head start on his retirement job by providing individualized pathology consulting to clinicians starting in 2007. Dr. Estep is a founding owner and partner with Texas Veterinary Passages, LLC since 2023.

 Dr. Cowart is a boarded veterinary anatomic pathologist with experience in diagnostic pathology, research support, and teaching. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1995 and spent one year in mixed animal practice before joining the US Army Veterinary Corps. 

During his 20 year Army career, he spent 6 years running predominately small animal practices in Oklahoma and Hawaii, 3 years in an anatomic pathology residency, 6 years in research support in San Antonio, and 4 years in diagnostic pathology and rabies diagnostics in Germany. His career as an Army pathologist has provided him the opportunity to work with a variety of species that includes domestic, laboratory, exotic and marine mammal species. 

Along with his experience in diagnostic pathology, Dr. Cowart has supported clinical research in the areas of wound healing, thermal and directed energy injury, and hemorrhagic shock and ischemia-reperfusion injury. He also has served as an adjunct professor at the Army Medical Center and School for 6 years and has lectured and taught a variety of practical pathology topics to Army veterinarians and technicians in the US and Europe, including cytology and diagnostic necropsy. 

Dr. Cowart joined Texas Veterinary Pathology, LLC following retirement from the Army in 2015. Dr. Cowart is a founding owner and partner with Texas Veterinary Passages, LLC since 2023. 

Brian Lueck is a dedicated professional with over 13 years of experience in the pet cremation and aftercare industry. He currently manages Texas Veterinary Passages, where he leads with compassion, integrity, and a deep understanding of the importance of end-of-life care for beloved pets.

Brian began his career in 2013 at Paws in Heaven, where his commitment to respectful, individualized care quickly set him apart. By 2019, he had advanced to the role of Facility Manager, bringing strong leadership and exceptional organizational skills to the forefront of pet aftercare services.

At the core of Brian's work is a firm belief that every pet deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. He and his team view each animal as a cherished family member, providing compassionate support to grieving families during one of life’s most difficult times.

Outside of his professional life, Brian enjoys spending quality time with his wife and grandchildren. He has a passion for hands-on projects, often spending weekends building and creating around the home.

Brian's blend of experience, empathy, and dedication makes him a trusted figure in the pet aftercare community and a compassionate guide for families navigating loss.

 Dr. Schmitt was born in Seguin, Texas and attended Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio. Connie met and married her husband, Dan, in Houston in 1993 and soon began pursuit of her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. She attended Texas A&M University, earning two bachelor’s degrees and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. 

She joined the Army while in veterinary school and began serving on active duty in 2001. Connie was stationed in Hawaii, Okinawa, Maryland, Fort Sam Houston, and then retired from the military in 2021. While in the Army, Dr. Schmitt completed residency training at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology and achieved board certification in veterinary anatomic pathology. 

As a retired veteran, Dr. Schmitt works as an associate veterinary pathologist for Texas Veterinary Pathology, works part time as a locum veterinarian in the greater San Antonio area, and is Chief Financial Officer for Texas Veterinary Passages. 

Dr. Schmitt’s goal is to provide compassionate care for pets and their guardians. Dr. Schmitt is a co-owner and partner with Texas Veterinary Passages, LLC since 2023.