Jack Quinn Tidwell

Jack was born is Haskell, Texas on November 30, 1930 to Jack and Trudie Tidwell. He was an only child. Jack grew up in San Angelo and Abilene, and made many friends in the Abilene area.

Jack married his wife of 60 years, Carole, after meeting her during college at UT, on December 27, 1953.

Jack attended Hardin Simmons University in Abilene and graduated Magna Cum Laude on August 20, 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. While at Hardin Simmons, Jack played tuba in the infamous Hardin Simmons Cowboy Marching Band. Some of his fondest memories and stories came from the band days, as did two of his dearest friends, Gary Deshazo and Maurice Jones. After college, Jack attended THE University, sometimes also called the University of Texas in Austin, School of Law, and graduated on May 29, 1954 with a Degree in Law. Some of his other dearest friends came from the Law School days, including Perry Davis and Jim O'Leary.

Jack moved to Lamesa and started his law practice. After a few years, in 1957, Jack and Carole moved to Odessa, where they remained until his death. Jack loved Odessa and Ector County, but in 2013, moved to Mission Estates, which Jack had to admit was in Midland County. His house may have been in Midland County, but Jack's heart never left Ector County.

Jack was admitted to the State Bar of Texas on April 14, 1954 and continually practiced law until his death. Jack spent much of his legal career as an Insurance Defense Lawyer, but had become a certified Mediator, and was widely recognized for his expertise in Mediation up until his death. Jack practiced law with W.O. Shafer and Martelle McDonald after coming to Odessa, until he ran for and took office as District Attorney, serving from 1961 until 1969. In 1969 he joined the McMahon Law Firm and began their trial department. Jack worked with many fine lawyers, helped more than a few begin their careers, and widely regarded lawyers as his best friends.

Jack loved golf over the years, and taught his wife Carole the sport. Carole would go on to be the reigning ladies club champion at Odessa Country Club for 14 years plus. Jack played golf with many of his friends, and in later years could be found in the afternoons playing gin and dominoes with his locker room buddies. Jack loved to read.

Jack, and a few very good friends, were instrumental in establishing the Odessa YMCA and UTPB.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his son in law Curtis Strickland and his brother in law David Ferguson.

Jack is survived by his wife of 60 years Carole and her sister Judy; a son Scott and his wife Tonia and their daughter Jessica; a daughter Nancy and her children Curtis Strickland and Kristen Rainy; Grandchildren Adam Holmes and his wife Elisha and their children Autumn, Hannah, Isabella and Sophia; Beni Tidwell; Jessica Ingram; Curtis Strickland Jr. and his wife Crystal and their daughter Abigail; and Kristen Rainy and her husband Patrick and their son James Quinn.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday March 15, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rev. Eric Thompson officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials to Westminster or to your favorite local charity.

Services are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.