Stephen Turner

After a life well lived to the fullest, Stephen L. Turner, 99, of New Philadelphia, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 16, 2016 after a brief illness.

A son of the late Joseph and Anna (Vida) Turner, Stephen was born July 26, 1916 in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.

After graduating in 1935 from Stonecreek High School, Stephen left the family farm in Stonecreek to work in the steel mills in Gary, Indiana.  In 1941, Stephen enlisted in the U.S. Army as a member of the 27^th Infantry Division as a Technology Sgt.  He was deployed to the Gilbert, Mariana Islands and Sapian, and as a Platoon Sgt. was in charge of 43 personnel which were involved in some of the worst battles of the war.  Until his recent illness, Stephen has always remembered the names and home cities of all those who served with him and kept a special place in his heart for his fellow soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  Injured in the battle, Stephen was a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal.

Upon his discharge from the Army, Stephen attended THE Ohio State University, graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture.  One of his fondest memories at OSU was attending the “Snow Bowl” of the 1950’s.

While in Columbus, Stephen met the love of his life, Wilma Hazel Caldwell who precedes him in passing.  Stephen and Wilma were married on June 13, 1953.  After graduation from OSU, Stephen was employed by the United State Department of Agriculture and became the District Conservationist in Tuscarawas, Holmes and Noble County, a career that would last 30 years.

Upon his retirement, Stephen and Wilma were fortunate to be able to travel a few months each year throughout the country making lifelong friends throughout their adventures.  Being retired did not mean “not working,” as Stephen loved the part-time job working for his friends Ernie and Larry Frank at Zoar Golf Course and for several years working as an appraiser for the Tuscarawas County Sherriff’s Department.  Stephen was an avid bowler and golfer well into his eighties, until he lost his sight.  A traveling bowler, Stephen shared the Indiana State bowling 2-man tournament in the late 1940’s.  Stephen was inducted into the Dover- New Phila Bowlers Hall of Fame in 2002.

Always the avid sports fan, Stephen was a passionate fan of the Browns, Indians, and the ultimate Buckeyes fan and his proudest moments were watching his son participate as a member of many Quaker sports teams.  He was a member of the Quaker Club, New Philadelphia Elks and Emmanuel Lutheran Church for many years.

He is survived by his son, Gregory (Georgianne) Turner of New Philadelphia; one sister, Ellen Jurevic of Lake Oswego, Oregon and sisters-in-law, Barbara (Vic) Turner of Walnut Creek, and Patricia (Lew) Turner of Stonecreek and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, Stephen is preceded in death by four sisters, Ida Siemers, Kay Dahman, Anne Fitzgerald and Agnes Turner and four brothers John, Joseph, Lewis and Victor Turner.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 20, 2016 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home &Crematory at New Philadelphia.  A funeral service celebrating Stephen’s life will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Stephen Patrick officiating.  Burial with military honors will follow in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Stephen’s memory to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 202 East High Avenue, New Philadelphia OH, 44663.