DONALD HOWARD TURNER, SR.

Mr. Donald Howard Turner, Sr. age 73 of DeFuniak Springs passed away Saturday, May 7, 2022 at the family residence.  He was born August 1, 1948 in Andalusia, Alabama the son of Clarence Howard “C.H.” Turner and Era Mae Turner Medsker.  After leaving high school Don was employed with his father in the family business Turner Television across from the court house.  He then joined the United States Navy where he truly “saw the world” during his tour.  After serving his country he returned home and began working with Vitro Services, a career that lasted many years until ill health forced his retirement.  Don enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his family. It was in early 1986 that Don, now divorced from his first wife and out playing the field  noticed the female bartender in the bar in Mossy Head and she noticed him too and thought to herself “what a horse’s rear end”.  For several evenings Don kept coming back in and Shirlon’s opinion began to change under the influence of Don”s suave charm and personality.  She finally relented and after many years of courtship they were married April 6, 1993.  In 1981, Don joined and became active in Glendale Lodge #225 where he became a Master Mason and a Shriner.  As a Shriner, Don became a part of the Jokester’s Unit (a position he was destined for) and spent many hours working and volunteering at the Shrine Club.  All who knew Don knew of his love of life, his love for his family and his creator and also knew Don Turner would help anybody anyway he could.  This husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, fellow Mason and Shriner and friend will certainly be thought of and missed.
Among survivors are his wife, Shirlon Turner, his children, Donald Turner, Jr. and Marti Sherrouse and husband Craig.  His grandchildren, Brett and Amber, Lilah, Peyton, Cayson and Chandler.  His great grandchildren, Alistiar and Atticus.  His sister, Joan Retherford, the mother of his son, Annie Ruth McDonald Murray and husband Russell, his step father, Jerry Medsker,  his brother-in-law who was more like a brother, Harold Floyd, his special nephew, Brandon Retherford, special great niece, Ashton Jada Reynolds, and special cousins, Mark Turner and wife Lorrie and Pat Turner and wife Kathy along with long time family friend, Mark Bell.    Also surviving are his furry friends and companions, “Trump” and “Puss”.
Among those asked to serve as pallbearers are Mark Bell, Jeff Haney, Aaron “Turtle” Bracewell, Chaise Nowling, Bubba Register and Troy Poole.  Honorary pallbearers are Harold Floyd, Lamar Hayes, Chuck Jones, Pat Turner, Mark Turner and Craig Sherrouse.  A time of visitation will be Thursday afternoon, May 12, 2022 from 5 until 7 P.M. in Jerry Evans Chapel.  Funeral services will be Friday, May 13. 2022 at 2:00 P.M.  in Jerry Evans Chapel with Brother Jack Daniel Smith officiating.  Masonic graveside services with military honors will follow in Cluster Springs Cemetery.  Friends and family may go on line to view obituaries, offer condolences and sign the guest register at jerryevansfuneralhome.com