Daniel Morton Turner

Daniel Morton Turner, 81, of Spencerville, Indiana, moved on to his next adventure on February 12, 2026, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at the Townhouse Retirement Community after a lifetime of hard work and very little slowing down.

He was born on May 20, 1944, in Lima, Ohio, to the late William and Ilo Turner. He graduated from Elida High School in 1962 and wasted no time getting to work, building a life defined by grit, determination, and more projects than most people could keep track of.

Daniel was a true entrepreneur who owned and operated several businesses throughout his life, including Indiana Textile and Fort Wayne Liquid Coating, among many others. If something needed to be built, fixed, wired, or figured out, he either already knew how to do it or would by the end of the day. After selling his businesses, he “relaxed” by clearing nearly five miles of trails, because sitting still was never really his thing.

He was an avid fisherman and hunter who felt most at home in nature. Some of his happiest moments were spent around a campfire, bird watching, shooting off fireworks, and spending time with family and friends while jamming to the oldies. When he was not outside, there was a good chance you could find him at the casino, testing his luck and confidently explaining how he had “a system.” He loved a good bargain and never passed up a deal, like the Friday night fish special at JoAnne’s. No matter where he was, he enjoyed joking around and keeping everyone on their toes. He never met a stranger, just someone who had not heard his latest joke yet.

Daniel is survived by his daughter, Amy (Muneer) AbuSamra of Fountain Inn, SC; son, Nathaniel (Christina) Turner of St. Joe, IN; grandchildren, Omar (Sara) Samra, Aliah AbuSamra, David (Bri) Scribner, Becca Scribner, William Turner, and Jenna Mae Turner; great-grandchildren, Freya, Autumn, and Rhys Scribner, and Kaspian Samra; and sisters, Janice May (Charles) Neil of California and Mary Lou Marlett of Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Rose Ann Turner, whom we are sure was waiting to welcome him home and perhaps remind him where he left his nail clippers and flashlights.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne Indiana.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am on Friday, February 20, 2026, at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana, with visitation one hour prior. Committal and burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Churubusco, Indiana.

In honor of Dan, we ask that when you see something in nature that inspires or moves you, you remember him. He would love that.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics.