Paul Turner's Obituary
Paul Thomas Turner For 80 years, God loaned the world a true gentleman in Paul Thomas Turner. He was a loving husband, devoted son, wise father and proud grandfather. Even though Paul was always holding the door open for others and letting everyone go ahead of him in lines of all kinds, God suddenly opened the door to Heaven and called Paul to the front of the line on April 26, 2018. Paul was born to Ralph & Jessie (Potts) Turner in Buckeye, Arizona on March 22, 1938. He received his education from Moravia High School graduating in 1956. Paul would continue his education at Northwest Missouri State University. From 1959-1965, he served in the United States Army Reserve. Paul and Suzanne (Stuber) Turner were united in marriage at the First Methodist Church in Centerville, Iowa, on March 4, 1962, after an engagement (without an engagement ring), as Paul offered either an engagement ring or a washer and dryer and, after all...a farmer's wife has to do A LOT of laundry! Paul was a life-long resident of Moravia, where he farmed for 55 years. He was also a member of the local Methodist Church. His deep faith was evident in the way he humbly carried himself and led by example. He was generous in his community with his time and talents and enjoyed being a member of Moravia's Masonic Lodge and the ZaGa Zig Shrine Temple. Paul's parents and his father and mother-in-law, Glenn and Lavinnia (Scott) Stuber, were certain to be among the first to welcome him into Heaven. His wife, Suzanne, two children: Brent Thomas Turner, Denise Michele Turner Schmitz and grandson, Blake Nicholas Schmitz, will all miss him deeply each day as they continue on their journey through life on earth without their treasured Patriarch. Paul's sister, Aileen McKee (Wayne), sister-in-law, Diane Zaputil (the one who cried throughout Paul and Suzanne's ENTIRE wedding)...(Joe), brothers-in-law, Jim Stuber, Chuck Stuber (Cindy), along with many extended family members and friends will also greatly miss Paul's polite demeanor, companionship and conversations. (Some very special "grand-pets" will also miss grandpa's lap and lovin')! Paul was a hard-working man with a quiet strength about him. He was humble, generous, patient and kind. He enjoyed fixing things, and could impress and amaze like MacGyver -- with the things he managed to repair using just a pocket knife or something from his extensive collection of random parts, tools or treasures that he kept on hand, "just in case." Paul's favorite activities included traveling, rebuilding vehicles, collecting cars, visiting with friends and spending time with his family--especially his grandson. His warm presence, occasional slightly ornery comments, and his smiling kind blue eyes will be remembered by all who knew and loved him. His funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 26, 2018, at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa. Interment will immediately follow at Haines Cemetery. There will be no visitation at the funeral home, but instead, a celebration gathering will take place following the funeral at 4:00 p.m. at the Eagles Club in Centerville. Memorials may be given to the Moravia First Responders or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com. In tribute, from his children: "He was there...a firm foundation, through all our storms of life. A sturdy hand to hold on to, in times of stress and strife. A true friend we could turn to, when times were good or bad. One of life's greatest blessings, was the man that we called Dad." To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Paul Turner please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Haines Cemetery Hwy 5 & 470th Street
Centerville, IA 52544 Funeral Service APR 26. 2:00 PM (CDT) Thomas Funeral Home - Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544[emailprotected]
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