Longtime Katy EDC leader Frank Lombard dies

By George Slaughter, News Editor
Posted 8/17/22

Friends and former Katy Area Economic Development Council colleagues remembered Frank Lombard, who died Aug. 10 at age 79, as a leader, mentor and friend.

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Longtime Katy EDC leader Frank Lombard dies

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Friends and former Katy Area Economic Development Council colleagues remembered Frank Lombard, who died Aug. 10 at age 79, as a leader, mentor and friend.

Lombard joined the EDC in 2005 and served in various leadership roles. More recently, he was described as a staff emeritus and worked part-time for the EDC. In 2021, he received the coveted Stan Stanley Award, which was created to recognize those in the Katy area that have made contributions in leadership and economic development in the community.

In introducing a video tribute to Lombard at the start of Wednesday’s EDC meeting at the Embassy Suites, 16435 Katy Fwy., chairman Paul Kurt described Lombard as instrumental in the growth and success of the organization.

“In my opinion, Frank was irreplaceable,” Kurt said.

Members of Lombard’s family were also present at the start of the meeting, receiving a proclamation tribute from Harris County Pct. 4 Commissioner R. Jack Cagle.

Lance LeCour, now economic development director for the City of Granbury, served as the council’s president when Lombard joined in 2005. LeCour described Lombard as “silver-tongued” and said he had a way of talking to people.

“Frank was one of those people you could just pile on the work, and he’d say, ‘Give me some more, give me some more,’” LaCour said. “He was always there when you needed him. He did so much for this organization and this area. We’re all going to miss Frank.”

Chuck Martinez, the current EDC president and CEO, said Lombard left big shoes to fill. At the same time, Martinez said, Lombard also understood the new direction the organization was going when Martinez joined the EDC this year. Martinez said Lombard gave him a vote of confidence when Martinez joined the EDC.

State Rep. Mike Schofield, whose district includes much of Katy, said few people have the chance in their lives to impact a community as Lombard did Katy.

“If you were involved with anything that dealt with the growth of Katy, Frank was there,” Schofield said. “I don t think I ever went to an EDC meeting, or any meeting where people were talking about how we’re going to build the future, that Frank Lombard was in the room, helping to make it happen.”

Schofield remembered meeting Lombard ten years ago while running for office.

“Everywhere I went, there was Frank,” Schofield said, adding that he figured he needed to get to know Lombard because he had his fingers on the pulse of the community. Schofield said Lombard always had time for people, a smile, and was always optimistic about the community.

“I don’t think you can ask for anything more than that,” Schofield said.

Lombard’s funeral will be at 2 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Community, 1530 Norwalk Dr.

NOTE:  This story, originally posted Aug. 11, has been updated to reflect comments and funeral arrangements.

Katy Area EDC