Gary George Grote

Dr. Gary George Grote, 68, died in the early morning of Monday, December 25, 2017, at his home in Weatherford, surrounded by loving family and friends. 

Visitation will be held on January 2nd from 6-8 pm at Galbreaith-Pickard Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will be held on January 3rd at 10:30 a.m. at North Side Baptist Church with interment in Bethel Cemetery. Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel in Weatherford is in charge of arrangements.

Gary was born in Mason, Texas, to his parents Oliver and Doris Grote. He was the oldest of four brothers, preceding Glen, Jeff, and Warren. After graduating from Mason High School, Gary enrolled at Texas A&M University in College Station and there met Eva Dell Hopkins. The two married Aug. 7, 1971, after obtaining his Bachelor of Science in May of 1972. Gary became Dr. Gary Grote by obtaining a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1973. The Grote Veterinary Clinic was established at 819 Santa Fe Drive in 1974. Dr. Grote treated many large and small animals at that location. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved to rope and won many awards as a header in team roping.

Gary was a highly active member in the community. He was a member of the Parker County Sherriff’s Posse for over 40 years, a longtime sponsor of the Parker County Youth Livestock Association, various Weatherford High School fundraising activities, and any child selling chocolate bars.

Dr. Grote sold his practice in 2016 due to becoming paralyzed in a boating accident in Port Aransas, Texas. His then-girlfriend and fellow accident survivor, Cheryl, saved him from passing the morning of February 7, 2015, by performing life-saving measures. He married Cheryl on September 13, 2015 at the Parker County Sheriff's Posse. “Gary George” and “Cheryl Kay” enjoyed spending time with each other, traveling, and cheering for the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday afternoons with endless bowls of queso together.

He is survived by his daughter, Nikki, her husband, James Rhodes; grandson, Tucker Morton, of Weatherford; son, Gabe and his wife, Elizabeth, and his grandchildren, Harrison, Emily and Knox, of Aledo. He is also survived by his second wife Cheryl, and her children; Josh Rains, Brandy Rains and Jaclyn Gray of Fort Worth. He is survived by his mother, Doris Grote of Mason, Texas; his brothers, Glen and Diane of Pottsboro, TX; Jeff and Dorothy of Mason, TX; and Warren and Susan of Mason, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Eva Grote; and his father, Oliver Grote.

Floral arrangements can be sent to Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel in Weatherford. For donations, the family asks that you consider the Paralyzed Veterans of America at www.pva.org.