All's fair in love and wills?

John O'Quinn's longtime lover walks away with some world-class cars as courtbattle avoided

John O'Quinn and Darla Lexington
Photo via RROCTexas.com
Darla Lexington

Darla Lexington and John O'Quinn never put a ring on it, but she will still receive a portion of the late lawyer's estate.

Lexington and lawyers for O'Quinn's estate reached an agreement at a pre-trial hearing on Wednesday. Neither side is disclosing terms of the deal but it's possible she will receive a few cars remaining from O'Quinn's world-class car collection.

Lexington was O'Quinn's companion for more then a decade, but though the couple lived together in O'Quinn's River Oaks mansion, they never married.

The settlement will prevent a drawn-out trial. Lexington previously attempted to halt the sale of 31 rare cars from O'Quinn's collection.

“I am pleased on behalf of John, and I’m pleased for Darla and the foundation. I’ve always hoped we’d be able to resolve this,” T. Gerald Treece, O'Quinn's friend and executor, said in a statement.

After O'Quinn's death in a car accident in 2009, Lexington was the beneficiary of his life insurance policy but was not named in his will, which left everything to his charitable foundation. She challenged the will by claiming she was entitled to consideration as O'Quinn's common law spouse.

The settlement will prevent a drawn-out trial. In August 2010, Lexington attempted to halt the sale of 31 rare cars from O'Quinn's collection by the estate, arguing that they were gifts for her. Without the titles in her name, a probate judge ruled she had no valid claim to the vehicles based on the terms of the will.

“This settlement clears the way for a distribution from the estate that will allow the foundation to support even more good works,” said Kathy Patrick, attorney for The John M. O'Quinn Foundation, which supports initiatives that promote health care, mental health, children and education. The foundation paid out a total of almost $3 million in 2011.

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Running With the Pack

Miles, smiles, and tails take over Memorial Park Thursdays with the Houston SPCA Run Club

Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

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As Houston enjoys some of its most beautiful spring weather, the Houston SPCA Run Club offers a meaningful way to spend a Thursday evening at Memorial Park.

Meeting each week at 6:15 pm near the Runner’s Stretching Deck, the Houston SPCA Run Club welcomes walkers, joggers, and runners of all levels for the park’s popular 3-Mile Loop, which begins promptly at 6:30 pm.

What sets this run club apart is its mission-driven spirit. Participants can bring their own dogs or spend time with adoptable pets brought by the Houston SPCA, creating a uniquely Houston blend of fitness, community, and animal connection.

Whether someone is training for a race, easing out of the workday, or simply looking for an active social outlet, the club offers an easy, relaxed way to engage.

For many participants, that commitment extends beyond Thursday nights. A number of runners also support Houston SPCA through the Chevron Houston Marathon’s Run for a Reason program, turning miles logged into life-saving support for animals in need.

And who knows? You may just fall in love with an adoptable dog and give him or her the forever home they've been waiting for. The Houston SPCA works tirelessly to match eligible pets with owners, including good-natured dogs like Tobias, who was recently adopted by a loving family.

Meet dogs like Tobias (recently adopted) at the Houston SPCA Run Club.Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

So, lace up and leash up, every Thursday evening! The Houston SPCA team will have water bowls available to help keep your pup hydrated.

Join the Houston SPCA Run Club, and if you meet your match, celebrate the unconditional love of a rescue animal by adopting. To learn more about the Houston SPCA and its mission, visit HoustonSPCA.org.