Harris County Commissioner El Franco Lee dies of heart attack

HARRIS COUNTY (KTRK) -- At age 66, El Franco Lee devoted more than half his life to representing others. This morning, at his home in Houston's Fifth Ward, the life of what friends described as a humble public servant came to a sudden and unexpected end.

The Harris County commissioner suffered a fatal heart attack. He was unable to be revived. His death was stunning, because most described him as being in great physical shape, swimming at least four times a week.

Lee first served as a state representative. His contemporaries were Mickey Leland, who would become a congressman, and Craig Washington, who would serve in the district that Leland represented, until his death in a plane crash in Africa.

From the Texas House, Lee was elected to commissioner's court, becoming the first African-American to serve on the panel. His precinct stretched from downtown through southeast Harris County, where a park and a community center is named for him.

Lee was a Democrat. County Judge Ed Emmett a Republican. Both served in the Texas house and developed a friendship.

"He had an ability to walk across the aisle," Emmett said. "He avoided the spotlight, but he got things done."

That style followed him to the county where he worked with senior citizens and kids, providing facilities and activities for both. His Street Olympics program is now a county-wide event.

"He was a voice for the voiceless," said Texas Senator Rodney Ellis. "The public defender's office, healthcare, treatment for the mentally ill, there's a long list of what El Franco accomplished."

As for Lee's political style, Ellis said, "He was like LBJ. He knew when to hug and when to choke and he could do both."

Lee had filed for re-election, and he was unopposed. Because the filing deadline has passed, and there is no Republican candidate, his name will be on the March primary ballot and the November election.

Harris County democratic party chair Lane Lewis says Lee will win both elections posthumously.

"He will be our candidate in Precinct 1," Lewis said.

Commissioners Court will decide who will fill the office as a caretaker. In the summer, the local Democratic party will take over the office by January 2017, if the caretaker doesn't step down before then.

"All that's a subject for another day," said Lewis. "For now, we're in mourning, for a true public servant."

Commissioner Lee is a graduate of Texas Southern University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Technology and postgraduate studies at the TSU's School of Public Affairs, and at the University of Houston. (Read full bio)

He is survived by his wife, Ethel Kaye and two children.

Statement on the passing of Commissioner El Franco Lee

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner:Harris County Judge Ed EmmettFormer Sheriff Adrian GarciaSen. Sylvia GarciaRep. Gene GreenSen. Rodney EllisRep. Sheila Jackson Lee