Ikard, Frank Neville, 1913-1991

Lawyer, judge, and U.S. Representative Frank Neville Ikard (1913-1991) was born in Henrietta, Texas to Lewis and Ena (née Neville) Ikard. After graduating from the University of Texas law school in 1936, Ikard practiced law in Wichita Falls, Texas before enlisting in the United States Army in 1942, where he served as an infantryman in World War II. During the war, Ikard was twice wounded and later captured by German forces that kept him as a prisoner of war for the remainder of the conflict. When Ikard returned to Texas in 1947, he acted as the chairman of Wichita County’s Democratic Party and was appointed as a judge in 13th District Court by Governor Beauford Jester in 1948.

In 1951, Ikard was elected as a Democratic U.S. Representative for the 13th Congressional District replacing Ed Gossett following his resignation. Ikard subsequently served for five additional terms in Congress and was an active member of the Committee on Ways and Means and the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee. During his time in office, Ikard was a noted advocate for veterans’ rights, military affairs, and the oil industry. In December 1961, Ikard resigned from Congress to take an executive position with the American Petroleum Institute (API), where he served as president from 1963 to 1980. After leaving the API, he practiced law in Washington D.C. and continued to serve as a consultant.

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