Quinlan ISD School Namesakes

Quinlan ISD School Namesakes: A Legacy of Leadership

The following collection honors the visionaries, educators, and community pillars whose names grace our schools and facilities. Their combined service represents the foundation upon which Quinlan ISD was built.

Walter Harris Ford, Jr.: The "Son of Quinlan"

W.H. Ford High School

Walter Harris Ford Jr. (1913–2005) was a foundational figure in QISD history. Known as a "pillar of the community," Mr. Ford’s legacy in Quinlan spanned over seven decades.

Superintendent Legacy: He served as Superintendent for 35 years, leading the district through massive growth during the construction of Lake Tawakoni.
Program Founder: He established the Panther athletic department and implemented the district's very first Vocational Agriculture program.
Infrastructure: He was the driving force behind building the 1970 High School (now Thompson Middle School) and the Junior High.
Military Service: He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a ground officer and cadet trainer.

Charlie Boyd Thompson: A Lifetime of Service

C.B. Thompson Middle School

Charlie Boyd Thompson (1936–present) is a graduate, teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent whose entire life has centered around Quinlan.

Career: He spent 33 years in Quinlan schools, serving as Superintendent from 1983 to 1993.
Athletics: He was instrumental in bringing competitive sports to the community and coached multiple sports at all levels.
Continuing Support: He and his family established the Charlie B. Thompson Scholarship ($20,000 annually) and the Wanda Thompson Scholarship (est. 2026) to support future graduates.
Engagement: He and his family continue to serve on the QISD Scholarship Committee to this day.

Arlee E. Butler, Sr.: A Foundation of Dedication

A.E. Butler Intermediate School

Arlee E. Butler Sr. (1915–2007) provided a steady hand through decades of district growth as a long-term leader on the board of trustees.

Board Service: He served on the QISD school board for 37 dedicated years.
Civic Leadership: He served as President of the Quinlan State Bank and helped build many of the area's first farm-to-market roads.
Military Service: He served in the Merchant Marines during WWII, repairing Liberty Ships.

Daniel Chester "Dip" Cannon: A Legacy of Devotion

D.C. Cannon Elementary School

Daniel Chester Cannon (1915–2005) guided the district through its transformation from a small 1A school to a large 3A district.

Board Excellence: He served 37 years as a Trustee, with the majority of that time spent as Board President.
Community Service: He worked for Hunt County Precinct 3 for 30 years and was a leader in the First United Methodist Church.
Holiday Cheer: He and his wife famously hosted the largest Christmas light display in the area for the community.

Joe Martin: A Heart for the Kids

Joe Martin Early Childhood Center

Joe Martin (1950–1993) was a beloved educator whose career was defined by the motto "doing what was best for the kids".

Leadership: He rose from teacher and coach to Superintendent in 1993.
Eagle Scout: He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at age thirteen.
Memory: The Joe Martin Memorial Scholarship has awarded funds to FHS seniors every year since 1993.

Larry Lynn Johnson: A Vision of Growth

Larry L. Johnson Athletic Complex

Larry Lynn Johnson (1953–present) sparked an era of modernization and technology during his tenure as Superintendent from 1997 to 2008.

Modernization: He oversaw the construction of the High School, the Multi-Purpose facility, and the Spring Sports Complex.
Founding Vision: He was instrumental in establishing the QISD Education Foundation.
Advocacy: He served as President of the Texas Association of Community Schools.

Jack Aubrey Cobb: The Founder of Quinlan Ag

Jack Cobb Vocational Agriculture Wing

Jack Aubrey Cobb (1926–2007) was the bedrock of vocational education in Quinlan, hired in 1948 to develop the district's first ag program.

FFA Excellence: Under his leadership, Quinlan FFA students won numerous local and state competitions.
Military Honor: A WWII veteran who rose to the rank of Colonel in the Texas National Guard.
Public Office: He served as the Mayor of Quinlan and Board President of the Hunt Memorial Hospital District.

Phil Garrett: A Legacy of Character and Craftsmanship

Phil Garrett Ag. Center

Phil Garrett (1954–2017) was an outstanding educator and veteran who spent his final 18 years dedicated to Quinlan ISD’s ag program and FFA.

Instructional Style: Known for his "Cowboy Try" and contagious passion, he made learning practical and fun for 170 students annually.
Expertise: A former U.S. Army Veterinary Specialist and "jack-of-all-trades" in welding, carpentry, and ranching.
Awards: A two-time TMS Teacher of the Year (2005, 2016).