John (Big John) Turner

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CASTLE DALE-John Robert Turner (Big John) age 68, passed away peacefully in his chair on Nov. 10, 2016. From his birth on July 4 1948 in San Diego, Calif. to his death on Thursday he was always respected for his knowledge and willingness to help anyone in need.
He was born and raised as an outdoorsman to William Walter Turner (Bill) and Jennie Mary Ostranski (Mary). As an only child he developed a strong independent mind and an adventurous spirit.
He married his high school sweetheart Donna Faye Bailey on June 12 1976 in Trinidad, Colorado. They had two children, David William and Corena Maryee. This is a time when he shared his adventurous spirit with his family as we spent much time camping, hunting, and fishing. He also showed his family the gratitude that you receive from co-workers and extended family by having a positive attitude when it came to getting a job done. This shined bright during branding and haying season at his father-in-law’s farm.
He cherished his time as a husband and a supportive father. He spent many hours coaching and watching his kids in sports. He always stood out in a crowd as he cheered on their successes. The later addition of David’s wife and four grandchildren brought a new sense of love and joy to his life. He loved them dearly and enjoyed supporting and spending time with them.
After the passing of Donna and Corena in 1996, John was married to Linda Jensen Earl in 1999. He was later baptized a member of the LDS church and was thankful for the plan of salvation.
This was a time of transition in his life, as he became a father figure to a large extended family. With five happily married step-children, 23 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Big John was dedicated to his work and made an impression in every job that he had. From working in the coal industry in the Paonia Colorado Valley, to his 25 years as a coal mine inspector for MSHA and seven years as a safety instructor for the industry that he served his whole life.
Even though his body was not able to hold up to his adventurous ways, he was able to find enjoyment by taking a daily drive. His mere presence and dedication to help will be remembered by all that knew and loved him.
Survived by his wife, Linda; his mother, Mary Turner; his son, David (Kim) Turner, grandchildren Katie, Anna, Charlie and Lowden; step-children and grandchildren, Kimberlee (Ed) Rasbold, Ashlin (Micah), Nathaniel, Matthew, and Anna Kamoe, Taran, Draydon, Corben; Tim (LuRetta) Earl, Kylee (Logan) Abbott, Tralynn; Jeff (Randi) Adrie, Keaton, Kallin and Kayson Earl; Randy (April) Melbourne, Traralgon, Croydon, Essendon, Launceston Earl; Ilene (Brad) Smith, Jackson, Addie, Natalie, Harrison.
Preceded in death by his wife Donna; daughter Corena; and father, Bill.
Funeral service, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, 12:00 noon, at the Castle Dale Stake Center (35 East Main) in Castle Dale with a viewing beginning at 10:30 a.m. On Wednesday, Nov. 16, the family will receive friends at Taylor Funeral Home (682 1725 Road) in Delta, Colorado from 11:30-12:00 noon. Graveside services will follow in the Delta Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price, Utah where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of John online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.