Joe Michael Turner
September 5, 1942 ~ November 7, 2019
Joe Michael Turner, 77, of Linden passed away unexpectedly on November 7, 2019. Mr. Turner was born September 5, 1942 in Athens, TX to Joe Holly Turner and Julia Imogene Davis. Joe was married to the love of his life, Kate King-Turner since December 24, 2000.
Joe received an Associate Degree in Science from Kilgore College; a Bachelors Degree in Pharmacology from the University of Texas. He was a board-certified pharmacist and a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association. After receiving his license, he worked in New York City and later, Kansas City as President of Sales & Marketing for American pharmaceutical entrepreneur Ewing Kaufman, doing various duties including helping to manage the start-up of Kaufman’s baseball team, the Kansas City Royals. After many years in that industry, Joe left and created his own unique new-home builder customer service training and homeowner manual publishing company, from which he retired in 2009. He and Kate moved to East Texas and settled on a small farm just outside of Linden where they raised chickens and goats and spoiled their dogs. Together they followed their calling to work for the Lord and shared pastoral duties at Harleton United Methodist Church in Harleton, TX.
Joe enjoyed shooting sports, traveling, cooking and creative writing. Everyone who knew Joe enjoyed his talent for humorous storytelling. He was a regular contributor of jokes to the Jay Leno Show and co-published a fictional thriller set in the Napa Valley with his wife Kate.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, “Coach” Joe Turner and Imogene Turner.
Joe is survived by Kate, his loving wife of nearly 19 years; daughter Holly Davis and her husband Bob of Kilgore, TX; sons Clark Turner of Chandler, AZ and Michael Turner of Fort Collins, CO; step-daughter Angelene Warnock and her husband Paul of Napa, CA; sister Holly Lemmel and her husband Paul; a niece, three grandchildren and one great—grandchild. Joe also leaves a loving congregation at HUMC.
A Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at the Harleton United Methodist Church, 13370 FM 450N in Harleton. Sister Charlotte Riddle and Rev. Kate Turner will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Turner’s name may be made to Harleton UMC,
PO Box 336, Harleton, TX 75651.
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I will miss Pastor Joe’s wit and how he could always challenge me to dig deeper in scripture and look at each line in many different ways. I have been blessed to know him these past two and half years. And, how he reminds us to always say ‘Hallowed Be They Name’. Thanks Joe for making me feel like family.
Joe was an inspiration. Gone but never forgotten.
Rest is peace Joe, we had many breakfast together at Grandpa Allen's in San Marcos!!
My best to Kate, and will be in my family prayers!!
Dear Kate & family,
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a wonderful man and so glad we got to meet you at Leonard & Elaine’s in Duncanville Tx. We had a wonderful visit ?? May God love and comfort you all at this time 🙏??
So sorry to hear if Joes passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
,Love and peace until I see you again.
Kate,
I am so sorry for your unexpected loss. Joe was a wonderful man of God and I am so thankful I was able to know him. My heart is broken for you, but I know because of your faith and the faith Joe had in our Lord, he is at peace (and most assuredly has all the angels in Heaven rolling in laughter with the stories and jokes he loved to tell!)
My love and prayers go out to you and your family my sweet friend.
Dawn Johnston
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We will greatly miss Joe. Love , JT and Ann.
May God bless you with peace and comfort in the months ahead.
Dear Kate. My heart breaks for you. You are a strong woman. You will get through it but it will be difficult at times. Just remember, God has his plan. His will, not ours. Joe is at peace. It helps to remember that. Call me when you need someone to listen to you. My prayers for your strength to carry on and carry out Gods plan for you. He has left you here for a reason. Go figure. ??
Thoughts and prayers for the Turner family!! Peace be with you all!!
Sheri😢💔💙
Joe, you were dearly loved and will be missed like crazy. You made a difference in the world and in the lives of so many. You loved the Lord and your family and lived life to the fullest. We are better for having known you.
Kate,
My prayers and thoughts with you and the family at this time of Joe's passing. We will all miss him so very much. However, as children of God, we only say …. until we meet again! Praise God! Joe is already helping Christ our Lord, prepare the banquet table for us all!
Your friend and brother in Christ Jesus… Rev. David L. Kennedy
Deepest sympathy to Joe's family. May God give you peace, as only He can.
Gene Rice, KHS, Class of 1960
Dear Kate and Family,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during your loss.
God Bless you!
Sending warm hugs and prayers,
Prayerfully, Janie Brashears Sweeney
KHS Class of 1960
Love you brother, say hello to Jack.
Kate, Mike and I are so sorry for your loss. We’re praying for you as the Lord continues to comfort you and your family.