CAIRO, Ill. -- Donald J. Turner, 79, of Cairo died Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011, at Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Aug. 28, 1931, to the late Joseph M. and Vada Kessler Turner. His stepfather, Clifford Young, also preceded him in death.

Donald graduated from Cairo High School in 1949.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He earned high honors in Non-Commissioned Officers School, attaining the rank of technical sergeant during the Korean conflict.

Following his honorable discharge he returned to the family farm in Cairo. He was hired by Illinois Central Railroad, where he was employed 42 years before retiring as conductor and footboard yardmaster. He was active in the United Transportation Union, and served as local president and on the Union Illinois Legislative Board.

He was employed by Illinois State Police as a clerk, and served as coroner of Alexander County. He served honorably as sheriff of Alexander County from 1970 to 1980. Donald was a lifetime member of Illinois Sheriffs Association, and served on its executive board.

He was appointed to the Illinois Law Enforcement Commission and the Local Government Training and Standards Board. He was currently serving as chairman of the Alexander County Airport Authority, as well as treasurer of North Cairo Fire Protection District. Donald was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Cairo BPOE 651 and lifetime member of VFW Post 2649.

Most importantly, Don is best remembered by those who knew him for his kindness, compassion, loyalty and the smiles that he brought to others. He enjoyed the company of his family and friends and was known for his ability to brighten the mood with his stories and jokes. For these qualities, he will be deeply missed and warmly remembered by all who knew him.

Donald is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Turner of Cairo; two daughters, Susan (Kevin) Turner-Hill and Dana Turner Kobler of Memphis, Tenn.; two sons, Michael (Kim) Turner of Cairo, Paul (Judy) Turner of Chicago; a sister, Carolyn O'Rourke of Urbana, Ill.; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and numerous friends and extended family members.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Barkett Funeral Home in Cairo. The rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. The law enforcement walk-through will take place at 5:30.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick's Church, with the Rev. John Agbasiere, the Rev. Jerome Fortenberry and Monsignor Jim Buerster as celebrants. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery at Villa Ridge, Ill., with military honors offered by area veterans organizations and the U.S. Army.

At the request of the family, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Patrick's Church Building Fund in memory of Mr. Turner.