| Graduation Year | Class of 1946 |
| Date of Passing | Mar 13, 2008 |
| About | William J. “Tip” Turner, age 79, of Mount Gilead, died early on Thursday morning, March 13, 2008, at the Ohio Eastern Star Home in Mount Vernon following a ten year illness. On October 30, 1928, Tip was born at his parent’s home on Main Street in Mount Gilead, the son of the late Ralph and Ema (Brown) Turner. He graduated from Mt Gilead High School in the Class of 1946 and attended Ohio Northern University. Before he could finish college, Tip was drafted into the U.S. Army 1st Cav. in 1948, where he served as an infantryman while being stationed in Japan. Due to the death of his father, he received an early honorable discharge. While growing up, Tip helped his parents at the Turner Supply Company selling farm equipment and when his father died he returned from the Army to assist in the operation of the family business. Next, for a short time Tip and a partner owned and operated a car dealership in Mount Gilead. Returning to his farm supply roots, Tip worked as the district manager for Papec selling farm machinery for over fifteen years. Later, he sold silos for Chromolloy, Madison Silo, and Advance Silos. An excellent salesman and sharp with finances, “Tip loved selling farm machinery.” Being a lifelong resident of Morrow County, Tip decided to try his hand at politics by running for County Commissioner. He won his first two elections and proudly served Morrow County for two terms. Upon an unsuccessful third run at commissioner, he was asked if he would try and continue his career in politics. In typical Tip fashion with his many sayings, those who know him would not be surprised by his answer; “I am so done you could turn me with a fork.” Tip was a member of the V.F.W. Post 8054, F. & A.M. Lodge 206, and the Elks Lodge, all of Mount Gilead. In September of 1969, Tip married his wife of over thirty eight years, Frances (Lane) Turner, of Windsor Ont., Canada. She lovingly stayed by his side helping every step of the way through his ten year illness. An avid fan of the Mount Gilead Indians, Tip loved rooting for his beloved football and basketball teams. He was well known for giving the referees a hard time. For several years, with a few others from Mount Gilead, Tip enjoyed playing semi-pro football for the Marion Angels. Playing poker was one of Tip’s favorite pastimes and he looked forward to his yearly trip to Las Vegas. He was known as one of the best poker players in Morrow County. Always having the best of intentions, Tip often went well out of his way to help his friends, family and the Mount Gilead community. He will be sadly missed by his wife, Frances; daughter, Marian Kay Turner of Marion; four sons: Douglas Scott (Debra) Kemp of Perrysburg, Stephen Wallace (Linda) Kemp of Stafford, Texas, Brian Christopher (Amy) Kemp of Troy and Paul Marcus (Diana) Kemp of Mt Gilead; fourteen grandchildren: Tiffany (Marc), Adam (Janelle), Megan Anne (Zach), Jessica, Jenna Mae (Andy), Jaclyn, Joshua, Jeremy, Jonathan, Alexis, Ethan, Evan, Erica and Owen; and two great grandchildren: Madeleine and Gavin; aunt, Geneva Brown of Mount Gilead; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Tip was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Ann Kirkpatrick in 1965; son, Terry Jay Turner, only three months ago; and by his sister: Marion Jeannette Turner. His family will greet friends on Monday from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Snyder Funeral Home, Craven Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mt. Gilead, where Masonic services will follow at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of the Sacred Hearts, 4680 US Rt 42 N., Cardington, with Father Barry Bentz celebrant, where military services will be held by V.F.W. Post 8054 and AmVets Post 87. Burial will take place at a later date in Maple Grove Cemetery in Chesterville. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Morrow County, 228 South St., Mt. Gilead, Ohio 43338, or to HelpLine of Morrow and Delaware Counties, 950 Meadows Drive, Mt. Gilead, Ohio 43338. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com. |
