Johnnie Francis Turpen

Johnnie was the second child of Francis Turpen and Eugenia Alexander, born August 20, 1927 in Fort Worth, Texas. He met his future wife, Dinnie Nichols, when he was seven. Years later, Johnnie and Dinnie married on June 26, 1948. Together they made a home and a family of five. The marriage lasted 66 years.

Johnnie served in the Navy during World War Two. Later, he became a railroad man. For 28 years, he worked shifts and long hours as a carman for the Rock Island Railroad until its demise in the early 1980's. Afterwards, he worked a short while for the Katy RR. In retirement, he was employed as a Fort Worth ISD Security guard.

Johnnie joined the Seventh Day Adventist church in 1974, and was a member for over 50 years. Johnnie liked western art, flea markets, estate sales, coin collecting, fishing, and hanging out with family.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his wife, Dinnie, a daughter, Lucinda Enos Denison, sister, Cherry Summers, and brother, Grady Turpen. Survivors include son, Johnny Turpen (Hyosoon) of Dumfries, Virginia; Sandra Cooley of Fort Worth, Texas; grandchildren, Ian Turpen, Kyeong Bo Turpen (Wendy), Kyeong Hwan Turpen (Hoa), David Enos, and Aubrey Cooley; great-grandchildren Calvin and Levi Turpen; plus numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Special thanks to nephew Gary Summers and partner Eduardo Luera, and caretaker, Jaryjah Love for looking after Johnnie in his final years.

A visitation for Johnnie will be held Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Laurel Land Funeral Home of Fort Worth, 7100 Crowley Road, Fort Worth, TX 76134.

A funeral service will occur Friday, April 18, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 7100 Crowley Road, Fort Worth, TX 76134.

A burial service will occur Friday, April 18, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 7100 Crowley Road, Fort Worth, TX 76134.

A catered reception will occur Friday, April 18, 2025 from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, 7100 Crowley Road, Fort Worth, TX 76134.