Mark Turner

Lyman, Utah - Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, James Mark Turner passed away November 3, 2010 in Midvale, Utah. Dad was born on March 19, 1922 in Lyman, Utah, a son of James Collier and Hazel May Oldroyd Turner. He married his high school sweetheart, Rula Taylor, June 26, 1942 in the Manti LDS Temple. She died November 10, 2003. Dad was drafted into the US Army on November 19, 1942. Serving in the 2nd Armored Division (Hell On Wheels), he fought in the Normandy invasion, the Battle of the Bulge, and the liberation of Germany. He was wounded three times, the last being just three weeks before the war in Europe ended. He received many awards and medals including a bronze star (an award for heroic achievements in combat) and two Purple Hearts. He was a true hero. After Dad’s military service, he spent his life working as a farmer and for the Fishlake National Forest Service. Farming was his passion and he always had the most beautiful crops and garden. Dad was a faithful member of the LDS Church serving as the ward clerk for many years. He was a man of integrity and exemplified the meaning of hard work. He was a devoted husband and wonderful father to his five daughters. He was a great neighbor and friend to many and was loved and respected by all. He is survived by his daughters, Marla (Bruce) Brinkerhoff; Linda (Ron, deceased) Smith; Sharon (Richard) Jackson; Rosalie (Richard) Hunt; Jeanie Potter; 17 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; three sisters Dawn (Claud, deceased) Mangum; LaWana and Meeks Morrell; Claudia (Don Emery, deceased) King; sister-in-law: BetteLou Turner. He is preceded in death by his wonderful wife, Rula Taylor Turner; son-in-law Ron W. Smith; brothers Willis (Luana) Turner and Scott Turner; sisters Mabel (Klar) Jorgensen and Venetta Turner. The family extends our deep appreciation to the staff at Canyon Creek Assisted Living and to Jay and Josh of Rocky Mountain Hospice for their compassionate care. Funeral services will be held Monday, November 8, 2010 at 1:00 P.M. in the Lyman LDS Ward Chapel, where friends may visit with the family from 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. prior to the services. Burial with military honors accorded by the Harold Brown American Legion Post #92 and the Utah Honor Guard will be in the Lyman Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, 500 Huntsman Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 or huntsmancancerfoundation.org.