[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 26, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1060]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROMEO LOMAS

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                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 26, 2017

  Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Romeo Lomas for his dedicated service to his fellow Texans.
  Romeo Lomas served as the longest tenured County Commissioner in 
Kleberg County. He was adored by the people in his precinct, who 
convinced him to run for office in 1979 after a career as a barber and 
an enlistment in the U.S. Army. For 38 years, Mr. Lomas played an 
integral role in the development of his community by championing causes 
for the poor and elderly. Lomas was a staunch proponent of voting 
rights and encouraged citizens to participate in the electoral process. 
He was a strong advocate of equal opportunities for workers in Kleberg 
County and supported wage raises. While Mr. Lomas accomplished much in 
life, one of his greatest achievements during his time in office was 
the establishment of the Kleberg County Human Services Department which 
continues to provide hot meals and public transportation for disabled 
and elderly citizens in the area today.
  Romeo Lomas was born on September 3, 1937 to Santiago and Estella 
Lomas in Kingsville, TX. He was married to Doris Lee Lomas, who lost 
her battle with cancer in July, 2014. He is survived by his daughter, 
Crystal Runyon, one granddaughter, Luna Lee Runyon, and a sister, Hilda 
Garcia.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Romeo 
Lomas for his lifetime of service to our community. I considered him a 
friend and a role model, and his loss will be felt for a long time to 
come.

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