Willard Lee Turner

Willard Lee Turner went to join his Lord and Savior on June 2nd 2013. Willard was born February 10, 1929 to Paul and Rosalie Turner in Lakeview Texas. The visitation will be held Thursday, June 6th at Resthaven Memorial Park from 5:00-8:00pm. Funeral services will be Friday, June 7th at Oakwood Baptist Church at 60th and Avenue U in Lubbock at 10:00am. Retired Reverend Woody Jackson will officiate. Interment will follow the funeral at Resthaven Memorial Park. Serving as pall bearers are Zachary Edwards, Matthew Edwards, Justin Dempsey, Cody Turner, Kyle Turner, and Christian Edwards. Honorary pall bearers will be Makayla Leake, Katelyn Batros, Julianna Edwards, Tyler Battros, and Madilyn Leake. The Turner family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Mark Johnson, and Connie, Brandy and Elizabeth of Interim Hospice.

He and the love of his life Odessa Gordon were married on March 17, 1951. They had 62 wonderful years together. To this union was born 5 cherished children. Willard was blessed with nine grand children, 11 great grand children and one on the way and a number of nieces and nephews and friends.

Willard had a long career in aviation. He was a natural born pilot. He started flying at the age of 15. He soloed at 16, got his commercial license at 19, and his instrument rating at age 30. Willard touched many lives as an aviation instructor and aircraft mechanic. He flew as an executive, charter, and test pilot. For the last 25 years that he was still soaring the skies, he flew as a crop duster. He was in aviation for a total of 47 years. He was a member of QB’s (Quiet Birdman Club) and Oakwood Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Ralph and Douglas, and one sister, Anita Wickam.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife, Odessa, two sons, Gordon Turner of Lubbock, Robert Turner and wife Dion of Leander, Texas , three daughters, Linda Stracener of Lubbock, Gina Dempsey and husband Roy of Castroville, Texas, and Teresa Edwards and husband Glen of Austin, Texas. Willard is also survived by his sister Paula and husband Travis Roper. Donations may be made to Interim Hospice. Condolences may be offered at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com