Jesse Turner's Obituary
Jesse Burl Turner, son of Edward and May Isam Turner, was born November 14, 1920 in Sweden, Missouri and departed this life Friday, June 26, 2009 in Christian Healthcare East in Springfield, Missouri at the age of eighty-eight years, seven months and twelve days.
On August 30, 1947, he was united in marriage to Mary Florence Fagan and to this union three children were born. Burl and Mary shared sixty years together before her passing on July 20, 2008.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Norman Turner; a sister, Wilma Telford; a son-in-law, Willard Mackey and a daughter-in-law, Melissa Turner.
Burl is survived by his children, Norma Mackey of Ash Grove, Missouri; Jesse Burl Turner, Jr. and wife Renita of Greensburg, Kentucky; Gary Wayne Turner and wife Linda of Springfield, Missouri, five grandchildren, Tammy Bekas and husband Chris of Ash Grove, Missouri; Jesse Allen Turner of Shreveport, Louisiana; Crystal Turner and Jonathon Turner both of Campbellsville, Kentucky and Angie Fairchild and husband Jim of Springfield, Missouri; 6 great-grandchildren and one sister, Geraldine Moles of Mansfield, Missouri.
He was born and raised in the Sweden, Missouri, then moved to Bois D Arc, Missouri where they lived for twenty years before moving to Mansfield in 1976.
Burl was a lifetime mechanic and started working at age thirteen in the Ford Motor Garage in Ava. He also managed West Port Auto Salvage, was the co-owner of Rip’s Electronics, and was an electrical engineer for Holsum Bakery all in Springfield, Missouri. In later years he had attended the Friendship church.
In his spare time he enjoyed talking on his CB radio where he was known all over the country by his handle, “Flattop”. He also enjoyed tinkering with engines of all kinds.
Burl will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his family and friends. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle and we will cherish the memories he has made for us.
Services will be 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, June 30, 2009 in Holman-Howe Chapel, of Mansfield, Missouri, with burial in Dennis Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 P.M. Monday in the funeral home.
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