Local news
Johnny Quarles, best-selling author from Enid, dies
Enid resident and best-selling author Johnny C. Quarles died Sunday morning of natural causes. He was 62.
Quarles began his writing career in 1988, writing more than 12 novels, all of which were set in the West. Several of his books were listed on the New York Times best-seller list. He later turned to writing screen plays for television, most notably the series “Lonesome Dove.”
Quarles was born in Ohio, later moving with his family to West Virginia and New Mexico. Following his service in the Army, he worked for Frisco Railroad. He owned Chances R. Restaurant, and in 1978, he went to work for KGWA as a sports announcer for Enid High School.
He married Wendy Frey, current director of PEGASYS, on April 11, 1981. He also worked as a sports announcer and morning talk show host in South Carolina for two years before returning to Enid. He was novelist-in-residence at Phillips University from 1995 to 1998. He was an EJRT football coach and also coached women’s softball and youth baseball.
Quarles is remembered by friends as a dedicated coach and asset to the Enid community.
“He’s probably one of the most admired coaches that I have known in the last 30 years and also one of the best authors of western novels, which is a rare combination,” said Doug Faulkner. “He trained so many young men who went on to become very well known football players throughout the area.”
Faulkner said he met Quarles when his son was playing football and the two became good friends. He called Quarles one of the best youth coaches Enid ever had.
“I think (it’s) an incredible loss to everyone who loves athletics and also loves literature,” Faulkner said. “A great loss to all of us.”
“Johnny was the definition of the good old southern boy. He loved being around people and talking football,” said friend and sports writer Bruce Campbell. “When he did a football game, it was like he was talking with friends. He was a unique individual. I can’t remember when he didn’t have a smile on his face.”
Billy Smith met Quarles in 1973, when both men worked for Frisco Railroad. Smith said Quarles was a great coach and two were friends for years.
“John liked to have fun. He was a fun guy to be around,” Smith said. “I’m going to really miss John.”
All three men said Quarles was an avid fan of Alabama’s Crimson Tide.
“I know he was big Alabama fan,” Smith said. “He thought Bear Bryant was the only coach there was.”
The service for Quarles is 10 a.m. Wednesday at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Arrangements are by Brown-Cummings Funeral Home.
- Local news
-
-
UPDATED photo- Silver Alert issued for missing Garfield County man
Garfield County authorities have issued a Silver Alert for an 88-year-old man who hasn’t been seen leaving for church. The county sheriff’s office says Edward Sutter was last seen about 9:30 a.m. Sunday when he left home for 1st United Methodist Church in Enid. Sutter never arrived at the church. He was last seen driving a gray, 2003 Toyota Avalon. Authorities had initially said he was driving a Toyota Altima.
-
NEW: Roads getting slicker as temps drop below freezing
Motorists should be cautious as snow continues to fall.
- Another winter storm hits state; 2 more slated to follow this week
-
Rotary reaches goal to have members become part of the Paul Harris Fellowship
Enid Rotary Club always has been one of the most active clubs in the state but recently succeeded in a project few clubs achieve.
- Rotary International is ‘service above self’
- Black History Month lecture slated Feb. 16
-
Hime: EPS would use revenue bond for building
A $99.45 million dollar price tag is hardly pocket change, but the Enid Public Schools district is looking at an even higher price tag if its facility problems aren’t addressed immediately.
- Absentee voting available Monday at election board
- 4 county school districts will elect board members Tuesday
- Enid school bond ballots
- More Local news Headlines
-
