Fricke November 13, 1975 - February 21, 2011

PHONE: (972) 562-2601

Benjamin Todd Fricke November 13, 1975 - February 21, 2011

Benjamin Fricke, 35, of Frisco, TX passed away on February 21, 2011 after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Ben had endless love for his family and friends and stayed incredibly strong for them in the face of a terrible disease. He fought to the very end with his strong faith and God by his side. Ben was born in Austin, TX to Dr. Carolyn Crighton Fricke and the late Dr. James R. Fricke Jr. He was the youngest of their three children. He is survived by his wife, Amy Diamond Fricke, and their son Luke and daughter Synneva; mother, Carolyn; sisters, Pamela Fricke, Karen Fricke Nalle and husband, Brian Nalle; his great aunt, Mrs. Thelma Whitehurst; his great uncle, Dr. Robert Fricke and wife, Anne; his uncle, Dr. John C. Crighton and wife Nanette; his aunts, Joyce Crighton Hillier and Dr. Frances Bauer Crighton; nieces, Caroline Nalle, Addison Diamond, and Olivia Urasma and nephew, Garrett Nalle and numerous cousins. Surviving in-laws include Donald and Marilyn Diamond; sister-in-law, Angie Diamond-Urasma and husband, Fernando Urasma; and brother-in-law, Zach Diamond. He was preceded in death by his father as well as his grandparents. Ben grew up in North Austin and graduated from Anderson High School in 1994. He attended the University of Houston on a football scholarship. He was a four year starter and was named First-Team All-American and First-Team All-Conference USA in 1997. Ben was drafted in 1998 by the New York Giants. In 1999, he played center for the Amsterdam Admirals in NFL Europe before being picked up by the Dallas Cowboys. He played center for the Cowboys from 1999-2001. Ben received a B.S. from the University of Houston in 2002 and a M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University in 2005. For the past three years, Ben has been coaching at Centennial High School in Frisco where he was the offensive line coach and offensive coordinator. He also taught Business Education. Coaching and teaching became Ben’s passion and Centennial High School became Ben’s second home. Mentoring teenagers brought Ben great fulfillment, and he was truly content. His kind and gentle nature aided in his success as a teacher, coach and mentor. From a young age, Ben enjoyed fishing trips with his Dad. He shared many trips on the Texas Gulf Coast with family and friends. Ben was also an airplane enthusiast and enjoyed piloting. He eventually earned his pilot’s license. Ben was a loving and caring father to his two precious children. His legacy will live on through them. With the love and support of family and friends, Ben’s hopes and dreams for his children will be fulfilled. All prayers, notes and cards brought great joy to his family during his illness. The family was overwhelmed with the outpouring of support, and these sentiments were a reminder of the many lives Ben touched. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ben Fricke Centennial High School Trust PMB 215-121, 2765 E. Eldorado Pkwy, Little Elm, TX 75068. This fund will be used to support students at Centennial High School OR to The American Cancer Society. Donations made payable to ACS-Ben Fricke, 8900 John Carpenter Freeway, Dallas, TX 75247. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, February 25, 2011 at First Baptist Church, 7901 W. Main St. in Frisco. A reception will follow. Memorials

I wish we could have flown that Biennial flight review we had planned on. If Luke or Synneva ever want to be pilots, I'll teach them for free. Attending Tae Kwon Do classes with you was truly an honor. We'll miss you Ben. Mike, Mark, Maria and Little Michael Bates MICHAEL DAVID BATES, APRIL 25, 2011 I am a friend of Angie’s; my thoughts and prayers are with all during this difficult time. DEBBIE UEHLING, MARCH 1, 2011 To Pamela and the Fricke Family - My husband and I didn't know Ben personally but we followed his career and kept up with him through his Sister - Pamela. My husband is a sports fanatic and was really excited to know someone who knew are was related to a Dallas Cowboy. I have worked with Pamela for 16 years and also worked with her father, Dr. Fricke, at the Pharmaco HRC Dental Facility. To Amy, Luke, Synneva,Pamela and the rest of the family - Hold On To God's Unchanging Hands. Ben is already there and he will be missed and missed and missed!! Love to you all!! CHRIS AND MARILYN DANTZLER, MARCH 1, 2011 To all of the Fricke family, I am so sadden by your loss. I lived at the corner of Alta Vista and Milam Place, right across the street from Jim. Ben lived there some when he was in high school and I tutored him in Algebra II. He was such a sweet young man and although I had little contact with Ben, I kept up with him because Jim often talked about his children. Jim was a very proud parent and grandfather. I still can't believe Jim is gone and now Ben. You all have my condolences and prayers. ROGER THOMPSON, FEBRUARY 25, 2011 Amy and Fricke Family, I am so sorry to hear about Ben's passing. I will be praying for you during this time. God Bless. Love, Deanne Williams DEANNE RENEE' WILLIAMS, FEBRUARY 25, 2011 Dear Fricke Family, My heart goes out to you. I recently moved to Frisco and read about Ben in the paper. Karen, I was your 2nd grade teacher at Summitt (my first year as a teacher) I remember how kind your family was to me. Your family invited me over for dinner and we had fondue. Then we watched a boxing match on tv. You were one of my favorite students. I don't remember much about Ben, but I do know that he was surely as kind and loving as the rest of your family. I read about his many accomplishments in his short life. You must all be extremely proud of the man he became. I am truly sorry for your loss. CAROL (ALSTON-HILDEBRAND) ROESSLER, FEBRUARY 25, 2011 Amy, Synneva, and Luke, My thoughts and prayers go out to you in this trying time. Ben was a great man and will be missed dearly. I was Ben's backup for three years at UH and I know that my life was better for knowing him and only thing we can do in a time like this is to trust in God and know that he has greater purpose for all us. I know that Ben touched the life's of all that came to know him and I can speak personally that he touched mine. He not only made me a better player but more importantly he made me a better person. Being together as much as we were those 3 years at UH it was amazing how we (O- Line)matured and developed into the men we are today and Ben played a major role in that process. He will be missed and I wish you and your family the best in the future. Jeff JEFF MEDFORD, FEBRUARY 25, 2011 Ben would come over to our house in his teens and early 20's to see our son Jerry Jr. He was a delight to see and share stories with throughout the years. He always strived to be the best at everything. His interests and experiences were all about living life to the fullest. We will truly miss him! He was one of a kind. BRENDA AND JERRY JOHNSON, FEBRUARY 25, 2011 I was a classmate with Ben at SMU...he was one of the nicest, coolest, down to earth guys you'd ever meet. My deepest sympathies are with his family. You will be missed my friend. FERMIN "BUBBA" HERNANDEZ, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 Pamela, I was shocked and saddened to hear about Ben's passing. I met him when I came to visit you in Austin. He was still a college student. What struck me was how this tall, strong, and handsome young man was so sweet and soft- spoken. I want you to know that his spirit has touched many people's lives as it has mine. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy and love, Cathy CATHY TOMIKO TANAKA, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 My Gentle Ben...from the moment Ben walked through the door of my theatre classroom at Anderson High, this was my name for him. Soft-spoken with a quiet condidence, Ben's warmth for people radiated from him...I often called him a big Teddy Bear you just wanted to hug. In my theatre classes, we had what I called "Laissez-faire Fridays" and I believe Ben brought his dog to school on one of those Fridays. During technical theatre class, he and Adam B. spent as much making me laugh hysterically as they did creating theatre sets. (I still have the wooden easel he and Adam built for our UIl production of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW.) When I directed our musical production of GUYS AND DOLLS, I PERSUADED Ben to play the role of a mobster. Ben had one line. One night he threw up and when I asked him why he was so ill, he replied that being on the football field was easy, but being onstage frightened him. I had to laugh...I have a copy of this production if you would like one, Amy or Dr. Fricke. When Ben was attending college, I did go see him play football in the Alamodome. He was hurt on the first play. When he returned from the locker room to the field, I ran down the aisle and leaned over the railing, screaming at him to ask if he was all right. Ben's reply to me was,"I'm ok, Miz Dees. I'm sorry I got hurt when you came to see me play." So much a 'Ben' answer...When Ben played for the Cowboys, I got to see him play many times. My nephew got to see his first Cowboy game because of Ben. Ben autographed his program and we walked through the barricades with Ben as we went to his car. As he drove us to our car, my nephew Saxon was in the clouds. Saxon is 20 now and has never forgotten that shining moment. During this time I met Ben's sweetheart, Amy...from the way he looked at her, I knew immediately Ben was smitten. Seeing them reacting together brought tears to my eyes and I knew with Amy, Ben had met his soulmate...a lady with a beautiful soul just like Ben. So many memories...I have so many and I could keep on writing, but I would take up the book. To the Fricke family: MAY THE LOVE OF FRIENDS GIVE YOU COMFORT AND THE LOVE OF GOD GIVE YOU PEACE. My eyes are filled with tears and my heart hurts, but I know Ben is with Lord Jesus...and one day I will once again be able to hug My Gentle Ben. Much love to all of you, Bunny Dees BUNNY DEES, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 The Fricke family has always been a very special part of me and the loss of Jim really hurt and now the loss of Ben mkakes me sick. God be with each and every one or you. Larry and Gail Lerche LARRY AND GAIL A. LERCHE, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 My deepest sympathies to his entire family. Coach Fricke really helped my son when he needed someone. His encouragement and understanding meant so much to us. He will be dearly missed. DANA LOCKNANE-BYRD, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 We are the grandparents of Aaron Moore. Coach Fricke was Aaron's offensive line coach at Centennial High School. Aaron graduated in 2009 and presently is in his second year of college football at Iowa State University. We believe he achieved success in being able to play division 1 ball, because of a few men in his life, like Ben Fricke. Coach Fricke was the one in Aaron's ear, telling him he believed in him and there was nothing Aaron wouldn't do for him. He was an inspiration Aaron will never forget. This entire family loved Coach Fricke & will be eternally grateful for his influence in Aaron's life. We praise God for his life & we're sorry for your loss. Thank you, COACH.....Aaron Moore #93 Iowa State University JIMMY AND KAY/ AARON MOORE, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 Dear Fricke family, We pray you find peace in this time of loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you. God has given his angel on earth wings, and called Ben home to acccomplish what he could not down here. ROB NORMAN, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 Dear Carolyn, Pam and Karen, Our sincere sympathies to all of you and the rest of your family, on the loss of Ben. We know he will be missed greatly. He had many friends who loved him as well. We are thinking of all of you during this difficult time. Please let us know if we can be of assistance. Love from your friends, John and Jennifer JENNIFER AND JOHN BIRD, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 Amy, our hearts and prayers are with you Luke and Synneva during this time of sorrow. May you find comfort knowing that he is no longer suffering and is in the arms of our Lord. He was a great man, true mentor to our children and will surely be missed. DEBORAH, ALYSSA & SEAN BOYD, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 Ben was a great man and achieved more than most people in the short time we had him here. He didn't no the work quit. We will all miss him dearly. Pat Noble PATRICK W. NOBLE, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 Dear Fricke Family, As my family recently learned of Ben's fight against cancer, you've been in our thoughts and prayers. We extend our deepest sympathies to each of you at this sad time. Karen and I were childhood friends and played together and with the horses many days as little kids; I remember Ben from that time as the cutest little boy. Ben and my brother Scott graduated from Anderson together many years later. Clearly Ben's life was a remarkable one and one that will leave a legacy through the many lives he touched. May God bless you all and give your peace. Most Sincerely, Lynanne Walker Rhoades and the Walker family LYNANNE WALKER RHOADES, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 Ben and I became friends at Summit Elementary in Austin, I think in Kindergarten. Fond memories of us running around the property. I was always so proud as a child to tell people that my buddy Ben lived on the property where 'that "Fricke Arabians" sign is'. Remember him always having such a calm, cool confidence, with that smile and laughter. He never had to say much; everybody just respected Big Ben. He will be missed. I hope words and memories can paint an accurate picture for his children, just how polarizing their father was and how people were drawn to his charisma. God Speed old friend. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to all of Ben's family and friends, especially for his wife and children. I just can't imagine the pain right now; may you find peace and understanding through God's strength. DAMON BEAIRD, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Ben's family, his mom Carolyn, and sisters Pam and Karen as we remember Ben from those years at Summitt school and Anderson High. The Walker family Sue Walker Wendy Walker Harmon (class of '86 AHS) Lynanne Walker Rhoades (class of '88 AHS) Jennifer Walker Rutter (class of '91 AHS) Scott Walker (class of '94 AHS) SUE - WALKER, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 As Ben's guidance counselor at Anderson High School, I remember a gentle, kind, respectful and hardworking young man. Being a role model, mentor, teacher suited the Ben I remember. My deepest sympathy to his family. JEANNE K. PAYNE, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 We have been blessed to have gotten to know you. You have been a friend, a colleague to me, and a mentor to my son Chase. We will miss your big old self. I saw you while recruiting in early December and you gave me a big smile and hug. I will remember that forever. We will truely miss you. Our prayers are with your family. Love the Houghton's CORKY & DEBRA HOUGHTON, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 I am a co-worker presently to Fernando and formerly to Angie. My heart breaks for all of you. God redeems every situation and we eventually see his glory in something somehow, someway. I see all these posts of how this gentle man championed for children at different levels everywhere he went whether teaching or coaching and it sounds like he was a remarkable father and husband and a family man after God's heart. God is already working on redemption - this man left a legacy that will outlast him in the lives he touched. God bless you all and may you feel his love always. DONNA VINSON, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love you all very much. MINNIE/BERTHA HICKS/HALE, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 I am so sorry for your loss. I played with and against Ben in football during HS. We were the only two players selected to be on the Varsity team as sophmores before I left and went to a rival school across town. My memories of Ben include him being a tireless worker who lead from the front. I admired his intensity when I played with and against him. I am positive that these are only a few admirable characteristics that he instilled in his little boy. God bless. KEITH CEDER, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 Rest in peace. SHEILA HAYES, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 Dear Amy,God bless you and your dear children. Our heart and prayers are with you and family during this time of mourning. Ben will be a part of us forever and never forgotten. Bill and JoAnn Sherman BILL AND JOANN SHERMAN, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 You left us too soon and will be greatly missed! SHARI LEVESQUE OCHS, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 Thinking of you and praying for you during this difficult time. BRAD, BRIDGET, KELLY, GUNNAR AND BROOKS BELL, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 Ben's first year here at Griffin Middle School helping our Special Ed students was a true sign of what kind of compassionate person Ben was. The joy he brought to those students everyday was a joy to watch. After school each day was Ben's high light when he would get his son, Luke to play with most days during the week. He was someone I will always remember as a wonderful father and very caring man. He will be truly missed at Griffin MS.and FISD. DEBBIE AMERMAN, FEBRUARY 23, 2011

Family Owned Since 1945 Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow is the premier provider of funeral services in North Texas, with seven convenient locations and three beautiful memorial parks. We are a locally owned family business that has served North Texas for over 70 years. Families who visit us receive the highest quality of professionalism and service, with compassion and care that are unsurpassed.