Jack Lester Turner

With his loving wife at his side, Jack Lester Turner died peacefully at his home in Linden, Navajo County, Arizona on Friday, July 15, 2011 following a lengthy illness. He was 82 years old. Jack was a patriotic baby, being born on The 4th of July in 1929. He was born to the late Harry Lester and Ernestine (Neighbor) Turner in Somers, Flathead County, Montana. He always appreciated the beauty of the great out-of-doors and throughout his long life, Jack loved to go boating and camping. In his younger years, he built many racecars. His love for auto racing followed him well into his golden years and he remained a loyal fan 'til the very end. He was naturally a gifted and brilliant man. He worked for 40 years in the aerospace industry as an electronics engineering technician for General Dynamic. During most of those years he lived in Montclair, California. Ever willing to tackle any task that was asked of him, he proved to be a very dependable and respected employee. His co-workers admired him for his example of honesty, integrity and positive attitude. In 1972, Jack married his wife, Marian Elizabeth Handschin in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the nearly 40 years that they were married together, they experienced the true joy and happiness that only a husband and wife can have. They were a committed couple and completed each other in every way. Jack will be remembered as a man who loved riding motorcycles. He loved the blast of the fresh air on his face as he rode. His family will smile as they remember the man who enjoyed, like no other, working in his yard. His yard was always immaculate and there never was a stray pine needle left, un-raked, in the grass. Jack would lovingly refer to his yard as "What a Park!" There were many good books he read in the shade of his trees, but there where none that he enjoyed more than a good old Louie Lamour novel. He read them all! This incredibly talented man was a loving husband, a thoughtful father and a doting grandfather to his family. They each will remember the valuable lessons of life that he taught them and will forever be grateful for the love he showed each and everyone of them. Jack is survived by: his wife, Marian E. Turner of Show Low, Arizona; 5 children: Gary (Leslie) Turner of LaQuinta, California, Kristie (Charles) Decker of Ontario, California, Marke (Lynn) Turner of Dana Point, California, Brian Turner of Chino, California, Jamie (Greg) Jones of Hesperia, California; 10 grandchildren and his former wife, Marylou Niesley of Upland, California. Along with his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his 5 siblings: Doug Turner, June Caliva, Bill Turner, Dick Turner and Terry Coffman. The Turner family is grateful to everyone he has expressed their sympathy through thought and deed and are especially thankful for the prayers offered in their behalf during this difficult time.