John Turner, Sr.

John Wayne Turner Sr.

John Wayne died on Monday March 14 ^th, 2016 peacefully with family by his side

John Wayne was born on March 6 ^th , 1934 in Mabelvale, Arkansas to Marie Woodson Turner and Bogard Orin Turner. He is preceded in death by his parents,  Brother Elliot Turner (Caroline) and sister Kay Gardner.  He is survived by his wife Anna Eason Turner, sons John Jr. ( Carolyn), Mark (Tina) and daughter Stacy Colburn. Granddaughters Candice Haeske (David) of St Cloud, FL., Irene Colburn of Little Rock. Great Grandchildren Noah and Lilybelle Haeske,   sister-in-law Juanita Busbice (Aunt Babe) along with many nieces and nephews.  John Wayne and Anne were married in June 1955 soon after John Wayne began his active Naval Service aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal CVA 59 serving as the aircraft carriers 2 year shakedown cruise in the Mediterranean, he spoke about his naval experience his entire life, he was a proud Navy Man.  John worked as a Buyer in the food industry for 47 years; starting with Vogel’s Frozen Foods, retiring from Quality Foods where he was well respected.

John Wayne was an avid collector of antique fountain pens, watches and knives, he was a long time member of the Arkansas Pen Club, he always looked forward to buying and selling with his many friends at the club. John spent many hours in retirement fishing and walking thru estate sales looking for treasures.  John Wayne had one of the most consistent upbeat and sunny dispositions you could ever find in a person, he met you with his smile and interest in what you were doing even thru his battle with cancer, he never complained or gave up.

Come celebrate John’s life at a Memorial Visitation on Saturday March 19 ^th at Boyd Funeral Home in Lonoke, AR from 4 – 6 PM.  In lieu of flowers and food the family requests donations in John Wayne’s honor be made to Out of the Woods Animal Rescue and Referral ( www.ootwrescue.org ) sign our guest book at www.boydfuneralhome.net .