Bruce Lynn Turner

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A celebration of life service for Bruce Lynn Turner, 73, of Healdton, will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Assembly of God Church in Healdton with Bro. John Harris and Bro. Tommy Savage officiating. Interment will follow at the Graham Cemetery in Graham, OK. Services are under the care and direction of Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Healdton.

Our beloved husband, dad, PawPaw, brother, uncle, and friend, Bruce Lynn Turner, ran into the gates of heaven on June 18, 2025. Though we will deeply miss his ornery side grin, mischievous humor, nickname calling, warm side hugs, and silent expressions of love, we know by the life he lived that he is now celebrating in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born on July 6, 1951, in Wilson, Oklahoma, Bruce was the firstborn child of John and Dessie Turner making him the first grandson of Bailey and Buena Turner. Over the next nine years, his siblings—James, Donnie, Chris, and Ronnie—joined the growing family as well as a host of other cousins and family. Bruce spent his childhood in Wilson, OK, where he developed a strong work ethic and deep love for the outdoors. At just 14, he began working in the oilfield, a path he would follow throughout his life. Bruce dedicated his career to the oil industry, working with Dean’s Well Service, Rozzell Construction, and eventually Kaiser Francis Oil Company, where he served as a Production Foreman until his retirement in 2003. He came out of retirement to work for Carter County District 2, where he spent three years operating backhoes, bulldozers, and graders—work he truly enjoyed—until health issues led him to retire once again.

Bruce met the love of his life, Edna Mae Watkins, and they were united in marriage on June 4, 1970. That summer, they moved to Fox, Oklahoma, where they established their first home and welcomed their children, Terry and Angel. In 1977, they purchased their family homestead. With hard work and determination, Bruce and Edna cleared the land by hand and built a beautiful home that became the heart of their family—a place filled with love, laughter, and countless memories.

Bruce’s pride in his family was unmatched. Bruce welcomed new family members when Terry married Jeanne Brown in 1993, and Angel married Deriek Patterson in 1997. He was always eager to attend sporting events, share stories and photos of his grandchildren: Tyler, Chase, Carter, Bekkah, Cooper, and Ava. Most recently, Bruce beamed with pride over the arrival of his first great-grandchild, Jovie MaeLynn, a new joy and light in the family.

Lake life held a special place in Bruce’s heart. He loved being on the boat and was always able to find the perfect fishing spots. Camping together, sitting around the campsite, teaching half-hitch knots, laughing and sharing stories, memories we will always cherish. He loved hunting, was a skilled carpenter, and was a go-to fixer of all things. In 1983, Bruce made the most important decision of his life—he gave his heart to the Lord. From that point on, his faith guided everything he did. He became known for his deep love of Gospel music and Bruce’s voice carried both strength and sincerity, as he sang songs that were a testimony to the life he lived and the Savior he served.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dessie Turner; his brother, James Turner; and special in-laws: Tom and Minnie Watkins, Jimmy Watkins, Johnny and Sue Watkins, Sue Dewbre, Richard and Janette Watkins, Ann and Harold Hall, Essie Hand and Fred Rader.

Bruce is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 55 years, Edna; his children, Terry and Jeanne Turner of Sulphur, OK, and Angel and Deriek Patterson of Ada, OK. His grandchildren: Tyler Turner (Ardmore), Chase, Kealy & Jovie Turner (Ada), Bekkah and Nash Moore (Austin, TX), Carter Patterson (Ada), Cooper Patterson and fiancée Peri (Ada), and Ava Patterson (Ada).

He is also survived by his siblings: Donnie and Annette Turner (Marietta), Chris Arnold (Wilson), and Ronnie and Sandy Turner (Elmore City); and his cherished in-laws: George and Jane Watkins, Nancy and Larry Savage, Diana Watkins, Geraldine and Vernon McDaniel, Edna Rader and a special aunt, Doris Chamberlain. Bruce will also be fondly remembered by "BoBo’s bestest buddies", Blake, and Jace Watkins, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Family visitation will be held on Sunday, June 22nd from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Alexander Gray Funeral Home chapel in Healdton, OK.