Paul Turner

Paul Dennis Turner, 91, of Jackson died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Tuesday, Jan. 26, 1926, in Oak Ridge to Pier and Ruby (Cotner) Turner.

He and Hester Cobble were married Sunday, Jan. 9, 1944, at Osceola, Arkansas.

Paul was a 1943 graduate of Oak Ridge High School. He enlisted in the Merchant Marines at age 17 but could not enter until his 18th birthday. He served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII.

Paul was a farmer in the Oak Ridge area all of his life. He served on the Oak Ridge School Board for 12 years and the Federal Housing Board for Cape Girardeau, Perry and Bollinger counties. He was on the Board of Trustees and a member at the former Oak Ridge UMC.

Paul most recently was a member of the New McKendree UMC.

He and Hester loved to dance on the weekends, and after retirement he loved to play golf.

Survivors include his wife of 73 years, Hester Turner of Jackson; three sons, Dr. Paul (Rita) Turner of Perryville, Missouri, Robert Donald (Shirley) Turner of Marble Hill, Missouri, and William Lee (Marty Bounds) Turner of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi; brothers, Jim (Sara) Turner of Jackson and John (Sandy) Turner of Jackson; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Turner of Cape Girardeau; eight grandchildren, Dr. Anne (Doug) Turner Williams, Jenny (Brian) Ernst, Robert (Sherry) Turner, Dr. Jeffrey (Stephanie) Turner, David (Stacey) Turner, Donna Turner Donoho, Billy Turner and Julie (Troy) Turner Seals; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son Steven Turner; and a brother, Burnell Turner.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Jackson.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jimmie Corbin officiating.

Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to the New Salem UMC Cemetery Fund.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.