Grover Garland "Gary" Fickes

1949 - 2025

Grover Garland "Gary" Fickes

November 25, 1949 - July 10, 2025

Colleyville, Texas - Grover Garland "Gary" Fickes, age 75 of Colleyville-devoted husband, father, Papa, friend, public servant, and businessman-passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, on his beloved ranch near Comanche, Texas.

Born and raised in Houston to Dr. Kenton and Annie Fickes. He was a 1968 graduate of Reagan High School and enjoyed the two years he spent at Lon Morris College in Jacksonville.

Gary earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Sam Houston State University in 1972 and proudly served on its Alumni Board. In 2025, Gary and his wife, Kathy, established the Gary Fickes Osteopathic Medicine Endowed Scholarship, reflecting his concern for healthcare access.

Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating with his siblings, Ken and Pam, and their parents-activities that grew into a lifelong love of the outdoors. He loved sharing this passion with family, friends, and through programs like the Texas Youth Hunting Program. His Comanche ranch became a hub for teaching kids the joys of nature and hunting. One of his favorite traditions was the annual "Father and Kid" campout at Garner State Park-complete with tubing, trips to Mexico, and the unforgettable tortilla toss.

In 1978, he made what he called "the best move I ever made" and relocated to Southlake. The family eventually settled on Kimball Avenue when Southlake was still a small town. He became deeply involved in the community, serving on the Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council, and as Mayor (1989–1996), helping guide the city's growth. Under his leadership, Southlake established Sister City relationships with Tome City, Japan, and El Fuerte, Mexico.

Gary was also a lifelong entrepreneur. He founded a graphics design company, developed real estate with longtime friend John Dorety, and co-owned La Casa Mexican Café and Banderas Mexican Restaurant. In banking, he worked closely with Barry Emerson to open and maintain several local banks.

A dedicated community leader, Gary was a Scoutmaster for Troop 700 and served on numerous boards and coalitions, including Texas Health Resources, the Governor's Economic Development Committee, and the Southlake Chamber of Commerce. He was a proud Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow, as well as a member of the Colleyville Lions Club.

True to the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self," Gary fostered a decade-long partnership between the Grapevine and Acuña, Mexico Rotary Clubs. He led efforts to deliver ambulances and medical equipment, then later disaster relief supplies after flooding in the region.

In 2006, Gary was elected Tarrant County Precinct 3 Commissioner, a role he held until his retirement in December 2024. His 18 years of service were marked by a focus on transportation, economic development, and senior services. His staff fondly described him as "the best boss I ever worked for," known for his kindness, mentorship, and integrity.

Gary helped lead more than $7.5 billion in road projects, including the DFW Connector, North Tarrant Express, Loop 820 Expansion, and I-35W lane additions. As chair of TEX-21, he traveled nationwide to promote regional cooperation in transportation. He also launched the annual Tarrant Transportation Summit, now one of the state's leading infrastructure forums.

His commitment to seniors led to the 2009 launch of the Empowering Seniors Expo, which grew into the widely attended Tarrant County Senior Synergy event. In recognition of his service, the Precinct 3 Sub-Courthouse in Hurst was renamed the Gary Fickes Northeast Courthouse upon his retirement.

In 2008, Gary received a liver transplant due to a hereditary condition. That gift granted him 17 more years-a bonus he used to serve others even more deeply. As a transplant recipient, he was a loyal and enthusiastic supporter of LifeGift, speaking freely and often about the nonprofit organization that supports families through the organ and tissue donation process and delivers life-saving transplants to recipients who need them.

In 2017, Gary wed Kathy Nicholson, who loved and cared for him until the end. They brought each other much joy as they travelled the world, exploring new places together, and spent time with friends in Comanche. The family is grateful for Kathy's love, support, involvement, and care for Gary, particularly in his final years. Gary loved Kathy's daughters, Amanda and Cassie, and mourned with Kathy at the premature passing of Amanda. The family has been overwhelmed and amazed by Kathy's dedication and care for Gary, and words may fail to fully express their gratitude.

Kathy was a caring and supportive partner in Gary's interests, from his political career, which included Empowering Seniors and the Transportation Summit, to his passion for hunting. She loved meeting and greeting people at events as much as Gary did, and their families blended perfectly.

Gary's life was defined by service, adventure, fellowship, and a unique ability to bring people together. His openness, mentorship, and love for family and community left a mark that will long be remembered. His grandchildren will cherish the memories of fishing, camping, and seeing him cheer at their performances and games.

Gary's honors include:

•1990: Southlake Citizen of the Year

•2002: Northeast Leadership Forum Distinguished Leadership Award

•2004: TxDOT Road Hand Award

•2009: Leadership Fort Worth Graduate

•2011: Clyde Mooney Award (HEB Chamber's highest honor)

•2013: Fort Worth Business Press Healthcare Hero

•2014: Southlake Style Community Impact Award

•2017 & 2020: Bill Ridgway Spirit of Enterprise Award (HEB Chamber)

•2023: Fort Worth Inc. – One of Fort Worth's Most Influential People

•2024: Leadership in Mobility Award, renamed the Gary Fickes Leadership Award

Gary Fickes was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Kenton Reece Fickes, and mother, Annie Loree Luker Fickes, and stepdaughter Autumn Nicholson. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Fickes; son Chris Fickes; son Corey Fickes and his wife Kacey; daughter Jennifer Styers and her husband Alex; stepdaughter-in-law Amy Holland; stepdaughter Cassandra DeMora and her husband Steve; granddaughter Evelyn Fickes and grandson Jack Fickes; his brother Ken Fickes and wife, Sally Slomer; and sister Pam and her husband Jonathan Miller, and extended family. He is also survived by his first wife, Robin Fickes Harper, and his second wife, Catherine Lee Bell Fickes.

The Fickes family is extremely grateful to Dr. Jeffrey Weinstein from Methodist Hospital in Dallas and Dr. Marc Chapman at Texas Health Harris Methodist HEB in Bedford for their compassionate care for Gary.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations celebrate Gary's enthusiasm for the Rotary Club of Grapevine, the Lions Club of Colleyville, the Gary Fickes Osteopathic Medicine Endowed Scholarship at Sam Houston State University, the Longhorn Council of Boy Scouts of America, or LifeGift.

Note: The Fickes family has been overwhelmed and humbled by the number of heartwarming comments they received from several family members and friends as tributes to Gary. Please visit the Legacy.com website for Grover Garland "Gary" Fickes.