Former Burnet City Council member and the local philanthropist for whom Frank Fickett Educational Center of Texas Tech at Highland Lakes in Marble Falls is named has died at 88.

In 1988 when Franklin (Frank) I. Fickett stopped to inquire about a house for sale, it was a moment that would have a lasting impact on the Texas Hill Country and the City of Burnet.

That house was the first in a series of real estate purchases that changed the face and, some say, possibly the future of the town.

Fickett found his way to Burnet from California where he was a real estate agent and developer.

He focused on the Burnet area in part because of the railroad. He contributed the land and was a big supporter in development of the Burnet Train Depot located on Jackson Street where the Hill Country Flyer has stopped since it’s inaugural weekend, July 25-26, 1992. The Austin Steam Train first came to Austin in 1871 and Fickett had been instrumental in the return of the train in 1991 through his contributions to the Austin Steam Train Association.

In the Hill Country, Fickett was variously known as “Our Guardian Angel”, “Uncle Frank”, and “Santa Claus”.

“Mr. Fickett did a lot for the city,” said Michael Steele, Burnet city manager. “He donated land in the downtown area that we someday hope will be our new city hall and that now serves as a meeting place for our charitable organizations.”

“Frank was responsible for some significant changes as far as development goes in the City of Burnet,” said Crista Bromley, Burnet’s director of economic development. “He was an astute businessman and he had a kind heart.

“I want people to know that he did things under the radar that were very kind, very sharing. He came here during an economic downturn and he saw past that and invested his money, his energy and time in his new home.”

“With Frank Fickett, the new building enjoyed by Texas Tech University Highland Lakes on Steve Hawkins Parkway would not have been a reality,” said Bobbie Walker, former director of the campus. “His generosity has provided many educational opportunities for young people in this area.”

Born July 12, 1921, Fickett passed away Oct. 31. Services under the direction of Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6 at the First United Methodist Church of Burnet with the Rev. Ellen Ely officiating. Interment will follow on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 9 a.m. in Milbridge, Maine, under the direction of Bragdon Kelly Funeral Home.