Gary Don King

Gary Don King was born December 29, 1942, in Eastland, Texas to parents Leonard Wyatt and Eva Pearl (Reed) King. He grew up in the area and attended local schools. He graduated from Comanche High School in 1961.

On August 4, 1962, Gary Don was united in marriage to Janice Lee Fritts, his high school sweetheart. Gary Don and Janice had met through mutual friends, and at the age of 17 started a romance that would last the rest of their lives.

Following their marriage, the couple settled in Nocona, Texas. Gary Don loved Nocona as if he were a native, and he left an irrevocable mark on the town. Gary Don helped to start production at the Nocona Belt Company and eventually led the company as its President. Gary Don was a talented leather worker and designer. He trained many employees in the craft and was glad to be able to provide work for local folks.

Gary Don never seemed to stop moving – he filled his days with work, church involvement, volunteering with the Boy Scouts, Rotary Club, and more. He was Nocona’s Citizen of the Year in 1997. Gary Don and Janice also owned a working ranch where he trained horses.

Gary Don’s most proud achievement in life was having been a charter member of Tales ‘n’ Trails Museum in Nocona. He was passionate about preserving the local history and heritage. He was very knowledgeable about the area and had a personal collection of local artifacts as well as those he scouted for the museum.

Although Janice and Gary Don cherished the life they had enjoyed together in Nocona, they made the decision to relocate to Hempstead in 2015, to be closer to their children. They were members of the nearby Highway 290 Church of Christ in Brenham. They enjoyed getting to know their new neighbors and fellow church members.

Janice and Gary Don enjoyed a full and wonderful life together and left a far-reaching positive impact in the world. Tragically, their lives were cut short on October 18, 2020, as the result of an automobile accident. Both were 77 years old.

Gary Don and Janice were preceded in death by their parents, and daughter Cynthia Ann King. Survivors include Donna Sue Fritts of Comanche, Jeffrey King and wife Tawnya of Hempstead, Rebecca Hellinger and husband Eric of Leander; and five grandchildren including Bailey Buxkemper who they raised; and six great grandchildren.

The following will be jointly-held services for Gary Don and Janice: Saturday, October 24, 2020, visitation with the family will be held from 9:30 am until 12:00 pm. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm. Officiating is family friend Mike Gentry. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, October 25, 2020, at Oakwood Cemetery in Comanche, Texas.

The Tales ‘n’ Trails Museum in Nocona was a labor of love for Gary Don and Janice, and it held a special place in their hearts. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the museum to continue the legacy.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Memories may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com.