Don Turner

Donald “Don” Lee Turner, a resident of Willow Springs, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2020 while at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, MO. Don was born on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1933, the first born child of Homer Lee and Lilian Josephine (Cover) Turner in Willow Springs.

 

Don grew up in the Dry Creek area and attended the local schools. He graduated from Willow Springs High School with the Class of 1951. In 1953, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War. After he was honorably discharged, he lived and worked in Kansas City and later moved to Southern California where he would meet his future wife, Marlene. He and Marlene Ann Casper were married May 19, 1973 in Las Vegas, NV. They moved back to Missouri in 1974 where he was employed by the local school board as a bus driver for more than 20 years. Later he was the maintenance supervisor at Sunshine Village senior housing for many years. He was probably best known for his work with the Willow Springs Fire Department, serving the community for 44 years, and was Fire Chief for one year. He also served as President of the Willow Springs Ambulance Board for several years. When Don was not at work, he loved tending the grounds on his property which involved mowing and weed eating and kept them immaculate. He also liked raise vegetables in his garden. Don was a very social person and enjoyed coming to Willow and visiting. It has been said he would attend every fish fry in town. He will be dearly missed by his family, his friends, and all who knew him.

 

Don is preceded in death by his parents; his sister Byma Stotler; and stepchildren: Tom Casper and Julie May.

 

He is survived by his wife, Marlene; his daughter, Dawn Nolte of Pt. Orange, FL; two sons: Geoff Casper and his wife, Robin of Mtn. Grove, MO, and David Turner of Downey, CA; two sisters: Connie Nall (Bob) and Glenda Turner; three brothers: Dwaine Turner (Louena), Gale Turner (Barbara), and Van Turner (Theresa).  He is further survived by 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Don’s memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and they may be left at the funeral home.

 

A memorial service for Don Turner will be held Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Willow Funeral Home, LLC with Pastor David Lovan officiating with full military honors concluding the service. It is the family’s wishes that for the safety of themselves and the public who choose to attend the service to wear a mask while inside the building as well as outside during the military honors. Please adhere to and respect their wishes. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at www.willowfuneralhome.com