George Frederick Turner

George Frederick Turner, age 88, of Galatia, IL, passed away at 5:19 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2020, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital – Evansville, IN.

George was born September 9, 1932, in Bolton, IL, to George H. and Oma N. (Motsinger) Turner. He graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1950. George was a Veteran in the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of North America Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Song Director. He was instrumental in reopening the church in 2002. George was the owner and operator of Turner Excavating. He was a member of the Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association, president from 1982 to 1983, and he was named Illinois contractor of the year in 1975. George was a member of the Masonic Lodge, a Shriner, and a member of the Southern Illinois Bee Keepers Association. He enjoyed woodworking and judging 4H at the Saline County Fair. George was a Master Gardener who enjoyed speaking for local groups on gardening, and after retirement, he taught gardening classes in the county schools.

George is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Zada Lou (Martin) Turner; daughter, Oma Nell Farmer (Jerry); sons, Samuel K. Turner (Linda) and Scott Turner (Jean Ann); grandchildren, Sarah Farmer (Jason), Amy Self (Jason), Katie Peterson (Will), Callie Gartenman (Daniel), Cora Turner, Sam D. Turner, Caleb Turner (Heather), Eli Turner, Tylor Turner (Jalyn), Ben Turner, Beth Turner, Justin Reynolds, David House, Nicole Houser Hatton, and Nathan Houser (Jessica); 21 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Bonnie Turner;

 and many nieces and nephews.

George is preceded in death by his parents, George and Oma Turner; daughter, Lynda Houser; son-in-law, Mike Houser; sister, Mary Lou Hughes; brother-in-law, William Hughes; and brother, William Bruce Turner.

Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and Burial will be Private at Coal Bank Springs Cemetery in Marion, IL.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: North American Baptist Church at 770 North American Road, Galatia, IL 62935.

Arrangements are being handled by BOONE FUNERAL HOME EAST CHAPEL – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN.

Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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