John Turner

John L. Turner, 88 years old, Husband, Father and Grandfather, passed away February 3, 2013, at his home in Homedale, Idaho. When asked, he said he wanted to be remembered as an “honest and hardworking man”. At 17 years old, though he was small in stature, he stood tall and joined the US Navy during World War II. Proudly serving on the USS Brown, he earned 13 major Battle Stars, and a Special Commendation from President George H. Bush. John was an early resident of the Black Canyon area, taking his Middleton Farm land out of sage brush. He became a rancher raising crops for his cattle, horses, pigs and sheep. He loved animals and always had a trusty dog by his side ready to do his bidding with directions by his whistle through the space between his front teeth and the wave of his arm. John had a land leveling business and helped to bring many acres of farm land into production in Idaho, Oregon and Nevada. One job in Nevada brought him 450 head of cattle as payment. The cattle were “wild as March Hares” a combination of Brahma, Santa Gertrudis and white faced mixed. Dad said he “became acquainted” with everyone in the valley, because he had to collect them after the “jumped every fence on the place” and ran in all directions. John touched many lives with his stories, teasing and good humor. No one was a stranger. Following the teachings of Christ, he willingly gave help to any one he saw in need and taught his children and grandchildren that hard work was rewarding. He met the love of his life Joyce N. Bair and they lived together 67 fun filled years. They have five children; Boyd (Colleen) of Carey, North Carolina, Kristi of Salt Lake City, Utah, Vickie (Jay Russon) of Greenleaf, Idaho, Shirley (Terry Meikle) of Idaho Falls, Idaho and Dennis (Debbie) of Homedale, Idaho. They, with his 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren ask that you come and join them in celebration of John’s life on Friday, February 8, 2013 held at the Homedale L.D.S Chapel, Homedale, Idaho. Viewing begins at 10:00 am with funeral services to follow at 12:00 noon. Burial will be at the Hilltop Memorial Cemetery in Nyssa, Oregon. Service Information