Burnell Turner

Burnell C. Turner, 90, of Cape Girardeau passed away Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

He was born Oct. 19, 1923, near Oak Ridge, son of Pier and Ruby E. Cotner Turner. He and Elizabeth J. Berry were married April 29, 1950, in Paragould, Ark.

Burnell graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1941.

He served in the United States Navy during World War II from March 3, 1945, until his honorable discharge Nov. 16, 1945.

After his discharge, Burnell returned to the Oak Ridge area where he owned and operated Turner's Orchard many years, alongside his father and brothers. He had engaged in farming since the age of 17.

Burnell was a former member of Oak Ridge Methodist Church, serving as treasurer of the Men's Club many years. He was currently attending Evangelical United Church of Christ in Cape Girardeau, and was a member of Disabled American Veterans Cape County Chapter 16.

After retiring in 1990, he and his wife moved to Cape Girardeau, but he would continue to make daily trips to the Oak Ridge farm until failing health prevented him from doing so in January of this year.

Loving survivors include his wife of more than 63 years, Elizabeth; a son, Michael B. (Beverly) Turner of Jackson, Minn.; two daughters, Cynthia Modde and friend Jerry Talley of Jonesboro, Ark., and Lisa (Stanley) Propst of Dutchtown; six grandchildren, Christopher (Amanda) Turner of Jackson, Vincent (Galidee) Turner of Fredericktown, Mo., Laura Turner of Jackson, Jason Modde of Jonesboro, Cameron and Connor Propst of Dutchtown; three brothers, Paul (Hester) Turner, James D. (Sara Rose) Turner and John B. (Sandra) Turner, all of Jackson.

Also 10 great-grandchildren, Kelina, Miya, Sage, and Xylia Turner, Austin, Michaela, Isabella and Sofia Turner, and Elizabeth and Jacob Modde.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dan Johnson officiating. Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson with full military honors.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Evangelical United Church of Christ Memorial Fund or to DAV Cape County Chapter 16.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.