John Francis Turnell

PEKIN ~ John Francis Turnell, 89, of Pekin, passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at his home. He was born on April 22, 1936, in Lincoln, a son of Fred F. and Mildred L. (Shingler) Turnell. John married Billie L. Foust on January 19, 1973, in Pekin. She survives.

He is also survived by his three daughters, Teri Brown of Atlanta, Georgia, Amy (Brian) Frahm of Pekin, and Dana (Gabe) Reynolds of Savannah, Georgia; four grandchildren, Keith Reynolds of Kent, Ohio, Ella Reynolds of Savannah, Georgia, Emily Frahm of Dekalb, and Sarah Frahm of Pekin; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Turnell of Pekin; and several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Buddy Turnell and Phil Turnell.

John graduated from Havana High School and Brown Business School in Peoria.

John served his country in the United States Army.

He last worked as a foreman for Keystone Steel & Wire in Bartonville for 20 years, retiring in 2000. John previously worked as the vice president of First National Bank in Pekin for 15 years.

John was an avid Chicago Bears and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He was the first chairman of the Pekin Marigold Festival for years one and two. He then served on the executive board for three more years. He also enjoyed being a Pekin Hospital escort for 20 years. John loved interacting with people, but his greatest joy came from spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

John's celebration of life gathering will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes in Pekin. There will be no service.

The family would like to thank the staff of Carle Health Hospice, especially his nurse Jenn for their exceptional compassion, care, and support. Also thanks to Kyle Care staff and the girls who helped care for him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to TAPS at https://tapsshelter.org/donate or Carle Health Hospice at https://carle.org/giving

Online condolences may be shared with John's family at www.Preston-Hanley.com