Roger Turner (Hartville)'s Obituary
Roger Kerby Turner was born into the loving arms of his father and mother, Bill and Kathryn Turner, on March 1, 1971. He was welcomed home by four siblings who adored him all of his life: David, Denis, Rita, and Twana.
Roger grew up in Hartville, Missouri, surrounded by family and friends with whom he forged bonds of joy and love from a heart that was filled with kindness and laughter. He accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age, attending Sunday School, church, and vacation Bible school as a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. It was his faith in Christ that led him through the decisions in his life, and he was glad to share that faith with those around him.
While attending school at Hartville, Roger was a solid student who enjoyed successes as a member of the All-District Choir and as winner of an academic letter, while earning blue ribbons at the Summit Conference and SMSU Industrial Technology Expo with his grandfather clock. More important than these accomplishments, however, was the fact that during his school years, Roger built friendships with those around him that would far outlast his lifetime.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting and business administration at Drury College, Roger bid farewell to friends and family, venturing out into the world to try his wings by accepting a position as an accountant for McDonald Technologies in Dallas, Texas. He continued in that position after being transferred to San Antonio until 1998, when he accepted similar responsibilities with the publishing company Majors Books before moving back to Dallas.
During those years in the Texas sun, Roger met and married the love of his life, Carmen Lynn (Ridley) Turner, along with her sons Dominic and Andrew Gonzales. On November 8, 1999, the family welcomed Mitchell Liam into their lives, and when Zoie Liane was born on February 26, 2001, their family was complete.
It was in 2004 when Roger’s family and friends welcomed Roger and Carmen home to Missouri where they made their home in Four Seasons and Roger accepted a job as accountant with Laker Tackle in Camdenton. It was with great determination and pride that he soon advanced his career by being named to the management-level position of comptroller with Redneck Trailers of Springfield in 2005.
As his children grew and he could see the need for more time at home and less time commuting to work, Roger rose to that challenge by earning the title of comptroller at CALO--Change Academy of Lake Ozark--in 2010, a position he maintained for the rest of his life.
Roger’s personal life was full of activities that centered around his family, whether it was fellowship at The Door--his church home in Laurie, MO, where he served as an usher who was famous for his homemade cinnamon rolls--or at basketball and soccer games, cross country meets, tennis matches, musical performances, and celebrations that ranged from birthdays to trips to Disney World to pumpkin carving. There was never a shortage of laughter in the Turner home, and there was always a place for one more relative or one more friend. Above all, Roger’s face glowed with pride any time he spoke of his children, and later his grandchildren.
Those who rejoice in his life well-lived and will continue in the spirit of his generosity and love include his wife Carmen, his sons Dominic Gonzales and Virginia of The Colony, TX, Andrew Gonzales of Dallas, and Mitchell Turner, along with Roger’s princess Zoie Turner, both of the home; his mother Kathryn Turner of Hartville; his brother David Turner and Vince Phillips of Oakland, California; his brother Denis Turner and Lynn of Hartville; his sister Rita Snavely Preston and Jim of Republic; and his sister Twana Turner of Eldon; his grandchildren Chelsea, Chantelle, and Steven Worrell of The Colony, TX; his great-grandchildren Chalijah Worrell, Chloe Pruitt, and Anthony Gonzales also of The Colony, TX; along with numerous nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.
Roger was gathered into Heaven in the arms of his Lord Jesus on the evening of Monday, September 26, 2016, after an apparent heart attack. No doubt welcoming him there were his devoted father Bill Turner, his precious grandparents Drew and Minnie Turner and Lloyd and Ethel Cantrell, his beloved Aunt Reva and Uncle Warren Todd, the baby daughter Catherine Gonzales that he had never met, as well as many, many others who loved him here on Earth. We will miss his gentle spirit, his warm embrace, and the joy of his laughter.
Memorials can be made to Roger Turner Memorial Fund or his Children's College Fund, through Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Hartville.
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