Rev. Gregory L. Turner (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Rev. Gregory Lee Turner, son of Troy L. and Mabel J. Harmon Turner, was born January 20, 1951 in Joplin, Missouri and went to be with his King on December 14, 2024 at his home in Lebanon, Missouri. He was seventy-three years, ten months and twenty-five days of age. Greg grew up in Duenweg, Missouri and was a graduate of Joplin High School. At the age of seventeen, Greg was called into the ministry. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Ozark Christian College and served as youth pastor in Carthage, Missouri. It was during this time he met Mary Jane Lambeth at church camp and they were married December 21, 1970. They have loved each other and stood firm in their faith to God and devotion to each other for fifty-four years.
Greg faithfully led, impacting countless lives through his unwavering commitment to faith. His fervor extended across the globe through his participation in mission trips to India and Russia. He began his pastoral ministry in Carthage, followed by Springfield, Missouri, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Marshall, Arkansas, and Burke, Virginia. Greg completed his service as pastor of the First Christian Church in Lebanon, Missouri.
Greg’s dedication extended beyond the pulpit into the Lebanon Community. He was an active member of several organizations, reflecting his passion for service and giving. He was a member of the Central India Christian Mission Board, the Lebanon Rotary Club, the Lebanon Public Library Board, Project 360 Board, COPE Shelter Board, the Ministerial Alliance, and the Lebanon Area Foundation, among many others. His contributions to such groups exemplified his belief in building stronger communities through kindness and action.
Family was very important to Greg. He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-four years, Mary Jane Turner; his children, Christia Wolk and her husband Darrel of St. Genevieve, Missouri, Jeremiah Turner and his wife Ashley of Columbia, Missouri, Kaycia Turner of Springfield, Missouri, and John Caleb Turner of Springfield, Missouri; eleven grandchildren, Nicholas, Lucy, Ellie, Ezra, Elijah, Kyler, Jackson, Shaelyn, Sage, Elliott and Sadie; and his sister, Donna Hardesty of Nixa, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his son, Jason Gregory Turner.
He was a wonderful, loving family man. He loved his children so much and was thrilled to earn the title of grandpa to eleven precious grandchildren.
Greg was an avid reader and loved people. He was gifted with the ability to minister to all walks of life and was one not to judge, but to give sound, Godly advice. He was always willing to help and meet people where they were. He was a very centered and grounded man.
Greg’s life was a testament to faith, love, and service. May his memory inspire those who knew him to continue his legacy of compassion and devotion. As Greg always said, “The God Who Is…Loves You Most, Best and Always”!
Funeral service for Rev. Greg Turner will be held Saturday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Lebanon. Visitation will be Friday evening, December 20, at Holman-Howe Funeral Home from 5 – 7 p.m. A graveside service will be Saturday, December 21 at 3:30 p.m. in Fasken Cemetery in Avilla, Missouri.
A memorial to the First Christian Church has been established and donations may be left at the funeral home.
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