Former Tarrant County Commissioner Gary Fickes has died. Fickes served on the commissioners court 18 years before retiring at the end of his last term in 2024.
"He was a self-less public servant and a tireless worker for his constitutents. He led on efforts to bring a regional and holistic approach to infrastructure in Tarrant County and beyond," current Commissioner Matt Krause posted on X. Krause was elected to Fickes' seat last year.
Krause described Fickes as a "great partner," saying the two worked together when Fickes was commissioner and Krause was in the Texas House of Representatives.
"More than anything, he was a good and trusted friend. I will miss our conversations on the greatness of Tarrant County and how to improve on it," Krause wrote.
Fickes was 75. His office was in the Tarrant County Northeast Courthouse in Hurst, which was renamed for Fickes last year.
Prior to becoming a county commissioner, Fickes was mayor of Southlake for ten years and also served on the Planning and Zoning Commission.
In announcing Fickes' death, Tarrant County wrote in a statement he would leave a "lasting legacy through his commitment to infrastructure development, public health, and economic growth in northeast Tarrant County."
Fickes hosted the Tarrant Transportation Summit each year at the Hurst Conference Center; the event is now hosted by Krause. The region's first tolled express lanes opened along Highway 183 in Fickes' district in 2014.
"Commissioner Fickes was one of the very best public servants our region has ever had. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Gary never sought the spotlight, calling himself ‘just a little cog in a bigger wheel.’ But we all knew better. His more than three decades of service left a lasting mark on Southlake, Tarrant County and North Texas, as a whole. His leadership in transportation will be felt for generations, where he was a key figure in bringing SH-170, SH-114, FM 1709, North Tarrant Express and the IH-35W expansion projects to completion. He was also a tireless advocate for healthcare issues and our seniors. In short, he gave everything he had — always with humility and heart. We’ll miss him dearly, and we carry his transformative legacy forward with gratitude," Hillwood President Mike Berry wrote in a statement.
Manny Ramirez served on the Tarrant County Commissioners Court with Fickes for two years after being elected in 2022.
"He was not only an incredible Commissioner, but also a wonderful friend, mentor, and family man," Ramirez posted on Facebook. "We are all better for having known Gary. We are praying for comfort for his family and loved ones during this time, and we know that he is now at peace with the Lord."