George Paul "Rookie" Turner

George Paul “Rookie” Turner, 73, of Mulberry, passed away Friday, May 19, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born October 28, 1949 in Fort Smith to the late James and Evelyn (Box) Turner. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam Conflict and was a truck driver. He was a deacon of Rudy Community Church, a faithful servant of God and an avid guitar player.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by twelve sisters and brothers.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Nadine Turner of the home; two daughters, Stephanie Ashby and husband Troy of Kansas, and Angela Kelly and husband Dwain of Mulberry; two sons, Jason Buckner and wife Amanda of Alma, and Steven Turner of Ohio; eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Gill Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

Pallbearers will be Dean Mazur, Don Bollinger, James Jones, Mike Woodard, Marty Ray, and Macky Burkhart. Honorary pallbearers will be Lonnie Richesin, James Tobey, Larry Perryman, Benny Perryman, Chris Small, and Jim Biggs.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.

The family would like to say thank you to Cookie Green and Karen Zolliecoffer, Anita Brooks, and Angela and Dwain Kelly. Special thanks to grandson Brayden Kelly for all the hard work he did for Grandpa, and granddaughter Mackenzie Buckner. Special hugs to Rudy Community Church and thanks to all the guys from church for your help.