BEAR - SMSGT (ret) Joseph (Joe) William Turner, 80, formerly of Dover, passed away peacefully, on May 24th 2017, at Compassionate Care Hospice - St. Francis Hospital, in Wilmington.
Joe was born in Memphis, Tenn., to the late Walter W. Turner and Minnie Maude Turner (nee Kennedy).
He graduated from Delgado High School, in New Orleans, La., and completed his education, at Delaware State University, with a BA, in Art Education. Joe married Maryann Purcell in 1959, and they went on to have 8 children. He proudly served his country for 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, concluding his service in 1977, at Travis A.F.B., Calif. He had been a long time member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, in Dover, and had served in the Knights of Columbus Council 4182.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Eloise, and Jean.
Joe is survived by his children, Joseph Turner, II. (Tracy), of Jacksonville, Fla., Bruce Turner, of Frederica, Tammi Bulovas (Jerry), of Pensacola, Fla., Derek Turner, of Bear, Keith Turner (Toni), of Williamsburg, Va., Kevin Turner (Donna), of Felton, Marci Pence (Richard), of Ft Myers, Fla., Sean (Mia), of Boca Raton, Fla. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Turner (Suelin), of Columbus, Ohio; along with 13 grandchildren, numerous nieces; nephews; and lastly, his dog and constant companion, Chelsea.
For those wishing to send flowers, please send to, Cornerstone Methodist Church, 3135 Summit Bridge Rd, Bear, DE .19701,where Services will be held at 11 a.m., on Thursday, Jun. 1, 2017, a Visitation will take place at the Church, starting at 10 a.m.
Burial with Full Military Honors will follow, at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd, Bear, DE 19701, at 1 p.m.
The Turner family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Compassionate Care Hospice – St. Francis Hospital, Mr. Charles (Chuck) Eachus.
If you prefer to make a financial gift in Joe's name, please forward to the Delaware Humane Society, 701 A St, Wilmington, DE 19801.
Arrangements are by Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director, Inc. Dover, where condolences may be made via www.ambruso.com