December 24 1958 December 26 2019
Thomas (Rick)’s Obituary Thomas R. “Rick” Quarles, age 61 of Gary and formerly of Frankton, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 26, 2019 in Carmel after a very nice Christmas with all his family. He was born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1958 in Muncie, the son of Merrill C. and Mara-Le (Wilson) Quarles. Rick was a 1977 graduate of Frankton High School, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education in 1981 from Ball State University. Rick was passionate about music and theater all of his life. He was currently a music teacher at Lincoln Elementary School in East Chicago where he loved his job. He also formerly worked as a music teacher at Shenandoah, West Central, Twin Lakes, and LaPorte schools; and taught early in his career at Clovis West High School in Fresno, California. Rick was a member of First United Methodist Church in Michigan City where he enjoyed performing as the regular church pianist. He also shared his musical talents by writing music, teaching private music lessons, designing choral programs and marching band productions, and performing at numerous venues and churches. He was active in musical theatre for many years. In addition to his involvement with the Indiana Choral Association, Rick was a member of the Indiana High School Color Guard Association (IHSCGA) and served as a judge for the group for many years. He especially loved spending time at the beach and visiting his family on a regular basis in Carmel. Rick’s impact on his family, friends, and countless music students will never be forgotten. He will be greatly missed. Rick’s family includes his parents, Merrill and Mara-Le Quarles of Carmel; 2 daughters, Kady (husband Travis) Falls of Brownsburg and Karson Quarles (fiancé Ridge Gritten) of Monticello; sister, Beth Quarles of Carmel; 2 beloved grandchildren, Haddie Falls and Sawyer Falls; former spouse, Sheri Quarles of Monticello; and good longtime friend, John Soplanda of Valparaiso. Rick was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lawrence and Virginia Wilson and paternal grandparents, John and Kate Quarles. A funeral service celebrating Rick’s life will be conducted at 4:00 pm on Thursday, January 2, 2020 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis with Rick’s pastor, Rev. Nancy Nichols officiating. Cremation will follow the service and his ashes will be entombed at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Columbarium privately by the family. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on Thursday, January 2, 2020 prior to the funeral at St. Luke’s Church in Indianapolis. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood. Memorial contributions are suggested to First United Methodist Church in Michigan City or Lincoln Elementary School Music Department. (Envelopes will be provided.) A celebration of life memorial service will also be scheduled in Michigan City at a later date. Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com. Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Thomas Rick R Quarles December 24 1958 December 26 2019.
Copher – Fesler – May Funeral Home – Elwood
Death notice for the town of: Elwood, state: Indiana