Irvin Dean Turnbull

Born on July 23, 1941, the fourth child to Ray and Christine Turnbull, Irvin grew up in Pawnee City, Nebraska. Upon graduating high school, Irvin joined the US Navy and served two years. After his first enlistment, he returned to Pawnee City where he married his high school sweetheart, Carol Jean (nee Herink), whom he had met in the eighth grade, and started a family. He joined the US Navy once again, serving honorably for 23 years, including one tour in Vietnam, and eventually retired as a Radioman Senior Chief.

Irvin had many professions throughout his life beyond his Navy career. While in high school, he worked in the local barber shop, grocery store and hometown newspaper. Between his first and second enlistment in the Navy, he worked as a Linotype Operator for a local newspaper. After retiring from the Navy, he worked briefly in a hardware shop and then for TRW, Inc. With his wife, he founded Turnbull’s Wooden Widgets where they created collectible dollhouse miniatures which were sold throughout the United States.

Some of his greatest joys came from his travels with the Navy, his wife, and children. He lived in several states across the country, as well as the countries of Japan and Okinawa, and traveled to numerous countries post retirement. While living in Okinawa, he and his wife volunteered with a local organization aiding Japanese students in the art of casual English conversation.

A baker, a woodworker, an artist, and an amateur author, Irvin involved himself in numerous hobbies. He had an incredible sweet tooth and baked often, sharing his goodies with family and friends alike; when his grandchildren were young, he enjoyed treating them to visits to the local ice cream shop. And, he had a long standing tradition of going out with his wife for Saturday morning coffee and donuts. Another passion was woodworking; he was extremely active in his previous community’s woodshop, training individuals in the proper and safe use of the equipment. He, and his wife together, enjoyed building wooden toys, puzzles, games, and trinkets for family, friends, and five different charities, including the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program and the Texas Lions Camp. He loved playing Jokers, Cards and Marbles, especially with his grandchildren. He also taught them to paint. Over the last fifteen years, he had been writing a book on his Turnbull genealogy and his military career. He was a member of the Swiftboat Association. His favorite pastime, however, was spending time with his beloved wife whom he loved more than life itself.

Irvin is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Carol Jean; children Laura (Terry), and Dean; and grandchildren Jeremy, Emma, Bailey, and Madison. He is predeceased by his parents, and siblings Lavon, Belva Hullender, and Wilena Folken.

As per his wishes, a memorial will not be held. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a veterans' organization.