John Roy Quinby

John Roy Quinby II, born January 7, 1940, in Quanah, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025. A man of quiet strength and deep devotion to his family, John lived a life shaped by faith, service, and a love for the land he called home.

John grew up in Chillicothe with his parents, John Roy and Mattie Lou Quinby, and his sisters, Jane and Lou. He attended Chillicothe schools, where he excelled in sports, especially baseball, and is remembered for his mischievous grin and strong work ethic. In September 1959, John married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Collins, beginning a loving partnership that lasted 70 years.

He began his college career at Tarleton State University and later earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Tech University, remaining a loyal Red Raider fan all his life, despite their best efforts.

John devoted his career to education in Dimmitt, Tulia, Hereford, and Plainview before retiring as Assistant Superintendent of Plainview ISD in 1997. Afterward, he and Barbara returned to the family farm in Chillicothe, where John enjoyed the slower pace of country living, morning coffee with friends, and sharing the family history with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his two children, John Roy Quinby III and his wife, Kathy, and his daughter, Allyson Fowler; his sisters, Jane Simmons and Lou Byrd, his grandchildren, Amanda and her husband, Josh Griffith, Johnny Fowler, Katie and her husband, Will Wyatt, Kaylyn and her husband, Josh Ramos and his nine great grandchildren.

He was the best Pa, and the best of us.

Funeral services are at the First Presbyterian Church of Vernon, Texas, on Wednesday, December 10 at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in his memory.