Quinton was born in Lovelady, Texas, the seventh of 16 children born to the late Nugent Sr. and Roberta Holley Vonner. Quinton graduated from Crockett Colored High School and went on to pursue his Bachelor's Degree at Mary Allen College in Crockett, Texas, and Prairie View A&M University, where he also received his Master's Degree.
On July 7, 1956, Quinton married the love of his life, Olivia Gibson, formerly of Groveton, Texas. Together they had a hand in parenting and raising well over a dozen nieces and nephews. In 1967, they were blessed with a daughter, Lisa Marie.
Quinton R. Vonner was a trailblazer. In 1963, he was appointed to the Texas Liquor Control Board by Gov. John Connally, making him the first African-American state commissioned officer. He was known by his fellow agents who worked with him as a man of integrity, dedication, loyalty, honesty, and compassion. He traveled across the state of Texas as a Special Agent/Inspector for over 25 years. He retired in 1989 from the Texas Alcohol & Beverage Commission.
He was also a humble and modest hero to many families and individuals. Throughout his career, if he found that there was a family or individual in need, he would stop at nothing until food was delivered, shelter was found, or financial services were rendered, even if it meant coming out of his own pocket. Quinton never wanted or desired any fanfare regarding his acts of kindness. He helped many people over the years, and he did so quietly and discreetly.
He was a very devoted and loyal member of St. James United Methodist Church of Waco, where he served in several leadership capacities. Quinton had a generous and loving spirit with an infectious smile. He wanted all youth to understand and embrace the importance of education. His favorite statement to all youth and young adults was "stay in school and hit the books." The joys of his life were his four grandchildren, Mariah, Hollie, Patrick, and Blaine, who lovingly called him "Big Daddy." He seldom missed any of their practices or games. Quinton took pride in hearing their friends, teammates, coaches, teachers, and other parents call him "Big Daddy."
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 56 years, Olivia Gibson Vonner; daughter, Lisa Vonner and Melvin Carter; grandchildren, Mariah Listach, Hollie Listach, Patrick Listach, and Blaine Listach; brother, Horace "Bob" Vonner and wife, Evelyn; sisters, Verta Wheeler, Delois Haliburton, Kay Frances Tillman, Ardia Brown, and Laura Lewis; brother-in-law, Alan Smith; a very special niece, Emma Young; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other special relatives and friends.
Waco Tribune-Herald: 12/16/2012 - 12/21/2012...T-N5
Quinton was born in Lovelady, Texas, the seventh of 16 children born to the late Nugent Sr. and Roberta Holley Vonner. Quinton graduated from Crockett Colored High School and went on to pursue his Bachelor's Degree at Mary Allen College in Crockett, Texas, and Prairie View A&M University, where he also received his Master's Degree.
On July 7, 1956, Quinton married the love of his life, Olivia Gibson, formerly of Groveton, Texas. Together they had a hand in parenting and raising well over a dozen nieces and nephews. In 1967, they were blessed with a daughter, Lisa Marie.
Quinton R. Vonner was a trailblazer. In 1963, he was appointed to the Texas Liquor Control Board by Gov. John Connally, making him the first African-American state commissioned officer. He was known by his fellow agents who worked with him as a man of integrity, dedication, loyalty, honesty, and compassion. He traveled across the state of Texas as a Special Agent/Inspector for over 25 years. He retired in 1989 from the Texas Alcohol & Beverage Commission.
He was also a humble and modest hero to many families and individuals. Throughout his career, if he found that there was a family or individual in need, he would stop at nothing until food was delivered, shelter was found, or financial services were rendered, even if it meant coming out of his own pocket. Quinton never wanted or desired any fanfare regarding his acts of kindness. He helped many people over the years, and he did so quietly and discreetly.
He was a very devoted and loyal member of St. James United Methodist Church of Waco, where he served in several leadership capacities. Quinton had a generous and loving spirit with an infectious smile. He wanted all youth to understand and embrace the importance of education. His favorite statement to all youth and young adults was "stay in school and hit the books." The joys of his life were his four grandchildren, Mariah, Hollie, Patrick, and Blaine, who lovingly called him "Big Daddy." He seldom missed any of their practices or games. Quinton took pride in hearing their friends, teammates, coaches, teachers, and other parents call him "Big Daddy."
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 56 years, Olivia Gibson Vonner; daughter, Lisa Vonner and Melvin Carter; grandchildren, Mariah Listach, Hollie Listach, Patrick Listach, and Blaine Listach; brother, Horace "Bob" Vonner and wife, Evelyn; sisters, Verta Wheeler, Delois Haliburton, Kay Frances Tillman, Ardia Brown, and Laura Lewis; brother-in-law, Alan Smith; a very special niece, Emma Young; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other special relatives and friends.
Waco Tribune-Herald: 12/16/2012 - 12/21/2012...T-N5
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