Mr. Norman H. Turner's Obituary
Funeral services for Norman H. Turner of Longview will be held at 2 PM Wednesday, May 7, 2014 in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM on Tuesday evening. Mr. Turner passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 3, 2014, with his family by his side after a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease. Norman was born on August 25, 1942, in Redland, TX to Sherwood and Lucille Turner. He graduated from Hawkins High School and then served 6 years in the United States Air Force Reserves holding the rank of Staff Sergeant before being honorably discharged in November of 1968. He then worked for Southwestern Bell for 25 years until his retirement in 1990. In 1965, he married Mary Margaret Mitchell. They would have celebrated 49 years of marriage on July 8, 2014.
After retirement, he enjoyed buying and trading antiques. He always had a story to share and an ear to listen. Norman was a Master Mason and a member of Pine Tree Masonic Lodge #1396. He was a mason for 45 years. He was also an active volunteer for 17 years with Neal McCoy’s Angel Network.
He was a beloved husband, father, and PaPa. PaPa was his grandsons biggest fan and enjoyed spending time with them at their Circle MT Ranch in Mineola, Texas. He was a lifelong hunter and was able to hunt one last time this past fall in a deer stand built to accommodate his wheelchair with his sons and grandsons by his side.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his granddaughter, Grace Ann Turner. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary M. Turner; son Wade Turner and Fiancée Suzanne; son and daughter-in-law Jason Turner and Deanna; grandsons Davin Turner and Camden Turner all of Longview. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Jerry and Zelma Turner of Alpine, CO, and sister and brother-in-law Shirley Turner Todd and Doyle of Mineola; his nephew Jerry Wayne, and his nieces Cheryl, Gayna and Amanda. He leaves behind his “antique buddies” at Greggton Antique Mall and a host of other friends.
The family would like to thank the numerous doctors, nurses, and other health care providers that took care of Norman during his illness. They would like to say a special thanks to Dr. Weindorff, Dr. Buckelew, Dr. Pevey, Dr. Suits, Dr. Donty and the staff of Good Shepherd Medical Center. The family request that in lieu of flowers, please send donations in Norman’s memory to: The East Texas Angel Network PO BOX 9544, Longview, TX 75608. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
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