Raymond David Turner

He leaves behind a legacy of service, adventure, extraordinary accomplishments, and a family who had the privilege of his unconditional love.

Raymond grew up in the Johnson community. At just 11 years old, he met Deborah Herron, the prettiest girl he ever saw. It took him seven years to work up the nerve to ask on a date, finally enlisting her friend to do the asking for him. They were devoted to each other for 60 years.

He answered the call to serve his country, first in the Army National Guard and then in the United States Navy, where he was stationed aboard the USS Proteus in Guam.

Returning to Oklahoma upon his discharge, Raymond graduated from Seminole State College and continued his studies at the University of Oklahoma while working at Tinker Air Force Base. In 1978 he joined the Shawnee Police Department, as a patrolman and advancing to detective. He later headed the department’s Neighborhood Watch program, facilitating meetings and helping establish neighborhood watches throughout the community.

In 1981, Raymond began what would become a remarkable career in the oilfield. Starting as a hot-shot driver, he quickly proved that his talents extended far beyond the driver’s seat. His natural abilities in sales and marketing sent him to struggling locations within Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado increasing sales and returning them to profitability. A task he was quick to complete.

In 1986, in the thick of an oilfield bust, a friend and colleague presented him with him with his biggest challenge to date. With little more than a lot of determination, and a larger fear of regret than failure, Gunn Wireline was founded in Houston, Texas.

The lone salesman, Raymond made cold calls to executives of major oil companies in downtown Houston, selling offshore drilling services to a nervously recovering industry. It wasn’t long before the companies expansion demanded a sales team, and he took the helm as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. His sharp instincts, charm, and marketing savvy were instrumental in the success of Gunn Wireline, and he was established as one of the most prominent salesmen in the Gulf Coast oil and gas industry.

After 12 years, and following the sale of Gunn Wireline, he and Debbie moved home to Shawnee to retire.

Despite his professional achievements, his greatest accomplishments were undeniably as girl dad, PawPaw, and husband. He loved without conditions or limits. He embraced every dream as if it were his own. He gave of himself without expectation. He simply loved his family.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, David and Lillian Turner; his brother, Steve Turner; his parents-in-law, Ralph and Margaret Herron; his sister-in-law, Deanice Hinton; his nephew, Trevor Young; and his great-nephew, Samuel Young.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah “Debbie” Turner; his three daughters, Melisa and Bob Balmes, Marla and Gary Wagner, and Courtney and Will Brown; his nine grandchildren, Jack, Sydney, Jarod, Madelyn, Bradley, Alyssa, Ethan, Dylan, and Cameron; and his great-granddaughter, Vivian whose smile for her great-grandfather was a special joy. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Anthony and Susan Herron, Michael and Ronda Herron, and Mitchell and Desiree Herron, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Friday October 30, 2026 at 11am at Johnson Church of God in Shawnee, Ok.

Michael Herron and Charles Green co- officiating.