Michael Thomas Quarles left this earth on April 4, 2020 at the age of 69.
He was born on April 18, 1950 in Japan to Donald and Matsuko Quarles. He attended several schools while traveling with his military family and he excelled in football as a quarterback.
Michael graduated from Eisenhower High School in Lawton in 1968. He attended Cameron University where he and his younger brother, Jay represented C.U. at the Wichita Jazz Festival in Kansas. He also had the opportunity to play with the band, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes.
Michael married Patricia Wright in 1968 and their daughter, April was born in 1970. He was a self-taught master bassist/guitarist and a highly respected and admired musician. He performed in several bands and traveled across the U.S. during his long musical career. He performed with his brothers, Jay and Roy and several life-long friends. He was in the roofing/home construction business for over 40 years, while continuing to play music (his passion) until the last few years.
He would like to have been remembered as the kind-hearted, down to earth dad, papa, son, big brother, uncle, friend and talented musician that he was. His fun-loving personality and distinctive laugh will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his mother, Matsuko; daughter, April Wright (son-in-law Joey); granddaughters, Morgan and Marlee Wright (Sterling); his partner, Kathy Phelps (her son, Jason); granddaughter Mallory Lewis; brothers: Jay and Roy Quarles (Lawton); sister, Linda Quarles Schoonover (Hawaii); daughter, Camille (Minnesota); several nephews, nieces, and cousins; and extended family: Pat Knight, Patty Gartner, Clea Wilcoxson-Winham, and Melvin Schoonover.
Michael was preceded in death by his father, Donald, and extended family members; Alfred Wright, Richard, Muriel Irwin, and Julie Mays.
Due to the current gathering restrictions, there will be a "Celebration of Life" For Michael at a later date.
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