William “Bill” Neal Turner
July 15, 1935 – Mar. 5, 2026
William Neal Turner, of rural Columbus, KS was escorted through Heaven’s gates by the angels of the Lord on March 5th, 2026. Bill had lived a full life for 90 years and was a lifetime resident of the surrounding areas of Chetopa, Faulkner, and rural Columbus, KS. Bill had several medical setbacks in the proceeding months before his death. He passed in his sleep at his home in rural Columbus, with his youngest daughter at his side.
On July 15th, 1935 William “Bill” Neal Turner was born to Ismael Cornilus “Bud” and Thelma (Calvert) Turner in Faulkner, KS. Later, Bill’s father would marry Olivesta Fern Campbell, and she would become his “forever Mother”. Bill attended the Faulkner Elementary School and graduated from The Cherokee County Kansas High School in Columbus, KS in 1954.
He married his wife, Shirley Ann Davis, February 21st, 1958. For almost 60 years she would not only be his beloved wife but his most cherished friend. Together they raised two daughters. Bill was a devoted family man. He included his family in every possible thing in order to spend quality time with them. He enjoyed bird hunting with his wife, coon hunting with his friends, watching his beagles run rabbit and fox, fishing, riding horses, camping, traveling, going to the casino, spending time with the grandchildren, and a hot cup of coffee at any time of day.
For many years Bill had been a farmer, truck driver, and a foreman over a ranch and pecan groves. He retired in 2000, from Jorgenson Equipment as an equipment specialist.
Bill would be the first to tell you, that he had a good life. He’d often say, “The Lord had not only given him a good life but He had given him great gifts. A loving wife to share all the ups and downs, two daughters and two grandkids that he couldn’t be prouder of, two good saddle horses, and two good hunting dogs. There’s not much more out of life that man needed than that.”
William Neal Turner is survived by his daughters Katherine Ann (Turner) Pierce and husband Rodney; Billye Jean Turner and husband Richard Nunn; Grandchildren Sheena Shanks; Cody Shanks; Aaron Nunn; Adam Nunn and wife Alicia; Todd Pierce and wife Anna. Nine great grandchildren. Fourteen nieces and nephews.
He proceeded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann (Davis) Turner. Parents Ishmael Cornilus and Fern (Campbell) Turner, Thelma (Calvert) Zino, father-in-law John Lincoln Davis and mother-in-law Imogene (Shue) Davis. Two sisters, Delores (Turner) Licon and Linda (Turner) Jorgenson. Five brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws, Verlin Joe Jorgenson; Buck Williams; Irene (Davis) Bruce and husband Archie R Bruce; John Davis. One niece Joan Davis, and five nephews David Bruce, Stephen Bruce, Ira Dale Bruce, Rusty Jorgenson, and Verlin Joe Jorgenson, Jr.
He will be greatly missed by all of his family members and friends.
Bill and his wife, Shirley enjoyed watching nature and hunting. They believed that pets not only taught children responsibility, but respect for others and how to learn and grow right along with their pets. They also, believed in conservation for all of God’s creatures, the lands and the preservation of such for future generations of children. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:
Working Dogs for Conservation, www.workingdogsforconservation.com
Wild Trust K-9 Unit or SEK Nature Center, KS Dept. Wildlife & Parks, 512 SE 25th Ave, Pratt, KS 67124-8174
Audubon of Kansas, P.O. Box 1106, Manhattan, KS 66505, www.audubonofkansas.org
Or your own local human society.
Services will be held Thursday, March 26th, at 4:00 p.m., at the First Baptist Church, 721 Main Street, Chetopa, KS.
Cremation Arrangements are under the personal care of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, Missouri.
