GORDON—Mayor Roger Keck is stepping down from public office to pursue a position on the American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches Board of Directors.
Prior to taking the helm of the cozy community in southern Palo Pinto County in 2023, he served as Gordon’s mayor pro-tem and on the city council. His public service to the quintessential small town of 470 residents spans eight years.
While in office, Keck helped navigate $1.6 million in credit on a $2.1 million loan from the Texas Water Development Board for water treatment plant improvements and resolving a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality violation. The state cited Gordon for low-pressure issues along a worn-out water distribution line.
The financial assistance flows from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The low-interest loan includes $530,000 to be repaid.
By using the DWSRF, the city was able to save an additional $281,000 over the life of the 30-year loan. Work on the year-long treatment plant project is set to begin in September 2025.
Keck also championed the effort for a new microfilter, which uses a membrane to remove bacteria, silt and sediment from water. With that came a clear well installation to store filtered and disinfected water.
In 2022, Keck advocated for the purchase of two concrete culverts for $11,460 to better manage water flow under the city’s Bell Street.
Keck was instrumental in solidifying negotiations for a new 26,000-square-foot Ford dealership scheduled to open in Gordon by April 2025. Holiday Gordon Ford will house 17 service bays and feature a ranch-inspired ambiance with a fireplace and deep leather chairs.
The exterior sales building is being constructed entirely of brick, paying homage to the area’s history in brickmaking.
Additionally, Keck worked on a successful new facilities agreement with Gordon ISD and established a Development Group Advisory Committee.
“To be honest, I’m really not one for recognition,” Keck said when asked about his accomplishments in public office. “Serving the community as a council member, mayor pro-tem and mayor for about eight years was recognition enough.”
The AFCC is a nonprofit Christian organization made up of cowboy churches. Keck has been Palo Pinto County Cowboy Church’s pastor for 17 years. He said he will continue leading the congregation as he assumes his new role.
Keck is looking forward to his career move calling the AFFCC board member opportunity, “a position that better aligns with my passion for being a Cowboy Preacher.”
Gordon’s current mayor pro-tem, Sherrye Mills, is likely to be voted in as the appointed mayor through May 2026 at the council’s Jan. 13 meeting.
“Mayor Keck has been an inclusive leader and kept the staff and council informed, setting the stage for a smooth transition and continuation of the priorities he has set,” Mills said.
