Wm. Jack Turner

1929 - 2013

ODESSA Wm. Jack Turner passed away peacefully on May 24, 2013, at the age of 84 years, while staying at Hospice House, 903 N. Sam Houston, Odessa, Texas 79761.

Jack was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, on August 28, 1929. His mother was Margaret Leary. Jack had one sister, Peggy McDermott from Northborough, Massachusetts, and a brother, Dismas, that serves as a Jesuit in The Gambia.

Jack Turner is survived by his beautiful wife, Bettye Turner of 62 years; sons, Steven Jack Turner and wife Karen Turner of Pleasanton, TX, James Joseph Turner and wife Valerie Turner of Carrolton; daughter-in-law, Cyndy Turner; son-in-law, Kevin Rigdon.

Jack and Bettye have 10 grandchildren. Nacona Anne David of Pleasanton, TX, Wesley David Turner of Austin, Jesse Rae Coulter of Austin, Daniel Turner of Dallas, TX, Kristen Henson of Carrolton, Chris Turner of Spring, TX, Traci Matthews of The Woodlands, TX, Erin Turner Matheson of Crosby, TX, Lauren Rigdon of California, and Cole Patrick Rigdon of Austin. Great-grandchildren are Emalee Jean David, Paige David, Ella Ray David, Katie Mae David, Turner Coulter William Turner, Emma Turner, Britney Michelle Matheson, Blake Michael Turner, Megan Michelle Matheson and Tyler Gerald Matthews.

Preceded in death by mother, Margaret Devine Leary; daughter, Kathy Anne Rigdon of Austin; son, Michael David Turner of Galveston, TX.

After Jack served in the US Air Force for 3 years as Staff Sergeant, he went to Big Spring, TX, in pursuit of a job. This is where he met the love of his life, Bettye Roberson. They were married in Big Spring, TX, on February 3, 1951, at St. Thomas Catholic Church.

They moved to Odessa, TX, in 1963, after Jack had completed his education as a Court Reporter. Jack got a job as the County Court at Law Court Reporter, where he worked for 27 years.

Among Jack's other accomplishments were serving as The Grand Knight Of The Knights Of Columbus in Big Spring, TX, as well as Odessa, TX. Jack served as the President of The Fraternal Order Of The Eagles Lodge in Odessa, TX. In 1978, Jack became a member of The Chuck Wagon Gang. In 1998, he served as The Gang Boss. Jack was still a member until his passing.

Among the many hobbies Jack enjoyed were golf, fishing and going on cruises.

Services will be held Saturday, June 1, 2013, at 11:00 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 7601 N. Grandview Ave., Odessa, TX 79765. Father Mark Woodruff will be officiating mass and placing of Jack Turner's ashes in his niche in the Sacred Heart Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice House or the Catholic Church.

Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.