Charles Elbert Turnbull

Charles Elbert Turnbull, 91, of Edmond Oklahoma, died December 1, 2015. Charles was born June 17, 1924, to Walter William Turnbull and Mae Gladson in Hobart, Oklahoma. He graduated from Hobart High School in 1942, and then attended the University of Oklahoma. On January 30, 1948, Charles married Julia Francis Wilcox in Hobart, OK and had 3 children: Linda, Charles and Joseph. Charles is preceded in death by his wife Julia, daughter Linda and five siblings (Gladson, Helen, Virginia, William ‘Bill’ and Tom) and is the last of the Walter William Turnbull family children. He is survived by his sons Charles E. Turnbull Jr. and wife Pat of Lake Forest, IL; son Joseph M. Turnbull and wife Gayla of Edmond, OK. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren: Amy Spears Ersing (husband William Ersing and their daughter Fiona), Johnny Hamilton, Lindsey Bantel Turnbull (husband Andrew Bantel and their daughter Winrey), Andrew Turnbull (wife Leah N. Turnbull), and Michael Turnbull. Following High School, Charles enlisted in the Army and served in active duty during World War II.

He enlisted in the Air National Guard on September 20, 1948 and transitioned to the Air Force on October 10, 1950, as an officer. He then served in the Air Force for 26 years in the communications and electronics function, achieved rank of Lt Colonel and was honorably discharged March 31, 1970. During his career in the Air Force, he and Julia lived in many locations across the United States and around the world including Oklahoma, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Michigan, France and Thailand. After leaving the military, Charles and Julia moved to Midwest City, OK where he worked for the city of Oklahoma City in communications and eventually retired. Charles had many passions outside of his family and career. He loved music and played the organ, banjo and ukulele. He had a beautiful voice and sang Tenor in the Oklahoma City and Midwest City First Presbyterian Church choirs. He loved to sail and spend time on Oklahoma lakes. He was an avid bicyclist and took many long distance bike trips across the US. He had his own wood-working shop at home and loved to carve things for his family. A memorial service with full military honors will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 30, 2016 (what would have been he and Julia’s 68th wedding anniversary) at the First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City.