Tarrant County officials and community members are mourning the loss of former County Commissioner Gary Fickes, who passed away on Thursday, July 10.

Fickes was widely respected for his decades of public service, particularly in northeast Tarrant County, where he was recognized for his leadership in infrastructure development and community engagement.

“We are praying for Gary’s wife, Kathy; his children, Chris, Jenny, and Corey; his grandchildren; and their entire family during this time,” Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare wrote on X. “I have great admiration for the life Gary lived — marked by integrity, purpose, and service to both his community and his family. He will be deeply missed.”

Tarrant County Commissioner Matt Krause also reflected on Fickes’ impact and legacy.

“Heartbroken to hear the news of Gary Fickes’ passing yesterday,” Krause wrote on Facebook. “This was one of the last photos we took together — at the dedication naming the sub-courthouse the Gary Fickes Northeast Courthouse. It was a fitting tribute to a man who contributed so much to northeast Tarrant County.”

Krause praised Fickes’ role in promoting a regional approach to infrastructure and transportation. “He was a selfless public servant and a tireless worker for his constituents,” he said. “The last time we were together was just a few weeks ago at the 15th Annual Tarrant Transportation Summit. He started it, and I’m honored to carry on that legacy.”

Former Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price also offered her condolences, highlighting Fickes’ collaborative leadership.

“I had been Tarrant County tax assessor-collector for four years when Gary was elected county commissioner. I knew his reputation for collaboration from his service as mayor of Southlake,” Price said, according to the Fort Worth Business Press.