Richard L. Turner

Richard L. Turner, 89, of Turner Hill Farm Hannibal, MO, passed away at 11:42 AM Friday, April 15, 2016, at Willow Care Center in Hannibal. Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Thursday, April 21, 2016, at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel. Pastor Bruce Bouman will officiate. Burial with full military honors provided by Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post 55 will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra, MO. Visitation will be held 5:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel Richard was born in Hannibal, MO on October 6, 1926, the son of Carl Oliver and Elizabeth (Landis) Turner. Richard graduated from Hannibal High School in 1944. He enlisted in the Air Force upon graduation and after his service he enrolled at University of Missouri, where he majored in playing bridge, which led him to other opportunities. Richard started a construction business in Hannibal after beginning his construction education in San Antonio, TX. Always looking for new business ventures, he purchased a Bekins Van Lines Agency in Richmond, VA in 1964. In 1978 he returned to Turner Hill in Hannibal (A Century Farm, Family owned since 1876) to care for his Mother, Elizabeth Landis Turner. It was at that time Richard opened the Bordello, a bed and breakfast, in Hannibal's Historic District. Richard concluded his career with Leeser Trucking, retiring in 2004. Richard was a lifelong active member of Mt. Zion Christian Church serving as Superintendent of Sunday School at age 15 and eventually Chairman of the Board. Richard was blessed with a beautiful singing voice which his church family and family members enjoyed. He was instrumental at Mt. Zion in having indoor plumbing installed as well as installing a light in the steeple, which he later learned illuminated and inspired many who passed by. Richard was a proud member of the Democratic Party serving as Central Committee Chair for 10 years. He loved jazz and was active in the Jazz Preservation Society. He was a member of Goodfellas for over 30 years and Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post 55. He also was a voracious reader and often self-described as a lover of books, jazz, his farm, and the Democratic Party. Richard never met a stranger and was a lifelong learner. Richard is survived by his close and devoted friend, Marguerite Darley as well as his three sons, Kirk, Carl and Jason; Daughters-in-Law Martha, Nancy and Laura; eight Grandchildren and three Great Grandchildren. Mr. Turner was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, John Mac Turner, the mother of his children, Patricia Jane Turner, and by Ann Jessen Turner, with whom he reunited and married after 50 years apart in 2003. Pallbearers will be Ben Turner, Mathew Turner, Alex Turner, Ryan Turner, Kyle Wright, Percy Blackburn, James Youker and Randy Vidaurri. Honorary Pallbearer will be all those whose friendship Richard treasured throughout his life. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion Christian Church, in care of Smith Funeral Home & Chapel. Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com .