Gary Lynn Oliver, 77, political cartoonist, self-taught musician, inspired songwriter, accomplished vegan chef, avid gardener, environmental activist, public library advocate, animal lover and passionate movie aficionado, departed this life peacefully at his home in Marfa on Monday, April 1, 2024. A brilliant light turned off with the passing of Gary, but his glow will live on in the memory of many for years to come.

He was born on February 27, 1947, in Beaumont, Texas, to Billy Jo Eldridge Oliver and Wade E. Oliver. Gary grew up in his mother’s family’s home until he graduated from Beaumont’s South Park High School in 1965. He attended UT Austin and graduated with a degree in English.

In 1970, Gary and two college buddies took over ownership of the famed One Knite, a small bar in Austin, and turned it into a legendary music venue. One Knite hosted the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Marcia Ball, W.C. Clark, Angela Strehli, Paul Ray and the Cobras, Joe Ely, Jimmie Vaughan, Velvet Underground, and many, many more. Gary organized a party on the shores of Lake Austin with entertainment provided by a young Willie Nelson.

Gary spent the next three years backpacking through Mexico, Central and South America, reaching Tierra del Fuego before making his way back home to Texas. He then spent time in London, Paris and the Greek Isles. His next adventure was bicycling the entire West Coast, from Southern California to Northwest Washington. On his return trip to Austin, Gary pedaled through Marfa and decided to stay. The year was 1983. He became the cartoonist for the Marfa Independent newspaper and stayed on when it became The Big Bend Sentinel. He was also instrumental in establishing the Marfa Community Health Clinic. Gary actively protested the nuclear dumping site planned for Sierra Blanca and was successful.

More recently, Gary was the visionary and driving force for the Marfa Public Library’s courtyard and community room. His energy and dedication shepherded a vacant lot into a premiere space for everyone to enjoy. In 2004, Gary began sharing his love of movies with the community. He obtained the necessary licenses and screened films several nights per week. Last month, he celebrated his 3,000th movie screening in the Gervasi Theater at the Marfa Public Library.

Gary had a deep love for music. He learned to play the accordion while still in elementary school, even though the instrument was bigger than him. He also learned to play the guitar.  Gary played with a few local bands including The Dry Creek Diggers, Jim Hall’s Last Call and Bucket of Bullets and never turned down a chance to join a music jam.

He was one of the most generous and kind people you’d ever meet.  He loved to drop off a loaf of his delicious vegan bread for your birthday or anytime, really.  

Gary is survived by his wife, M. Annette Mendoza; his sister, Donna McMinn of Jacksonville, North Carolina; and her sons Peter, Paul, and James. A memorial for Gary will be held at the Marfa Public Library Courtyard on Saturday, April 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the Friends of the Marfa Public Library.