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.