JoBen Turner aka Papa Jo, age 85, of Tyler, Texas passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2019 with his loving family by his side. JoBen was born on January 8, 1934 in Freeport, Texas to Jewell and Argus Roy Turner.
JoBen was a dedicated husband to his wife, JoAnn; they got married on Thursday, November 19, 1953 in Clute, Texas. They loved to go to church, travel and go out to eat together. JoBen was the first baby in 1934 that was born in the Freeport Hospital. He worked in construction, real estate, the jewelry business and also at 3P Industries. JoBen loved woodworking and fishing in his free time. Papa Jo loved and adored his grands and greats. He had an avid sense of humor, which made all those around him love him even more. First and foremost he loved his Lord and wasn’t ashamed to share that love with others.
JoBen is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, JoAnn Turner; daughters, Marisa (Mike) Sitton of Lindale, and Tina (Dennis) McInnis of Tyler; three siblings Shirley Tolleson, Marshall Turner and Virginia Bradford; grandchildren Justin (Charlotte) McInnis, Angie (David) McInnis Calk, Natalie Allen, Summer (Justin) Cooner, Chance (Alex Flood) McInnis; 13 great-grandchildren and one on the way.
JoBen was proceded in death by his parents Argus and Jewell Turner; and two great-grandchildren Lincoln and Larkyn Allen.
A special thank you to Mom and Dad's sitter, Tabitha Ellis. They both loved her. Dad especially loved her cooking. He would say, "Hey cook, where's my eggs." Tabitha, you are an angel right here on Earth. Thank you for all that you've done and still do for Papa Jo and Mama Jo.
Donations may be made to Hospice of East Texas and/or the Alzheimer’s Association of East Texas in memory of JoBen Turner.
A visitation for JoBen will be held on Monday, December 9, 2019 at 10:00 a.m., following with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. in the Tyler Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Brother John Givens and David Allen officiating. Interment will be held at the Tyler Memorial Mausoleum.