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Mr. Joseph Thomas "Tom" Turner
Mr. Joseph Thomas "Tom" Turner
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Tom was born on March 29, 1944 in Des Moines, Iowa to Joseph B. and Nevada (Williams) Turner. He graduated from North High School and went on to University of Northern Iowa, where he achieved his BA and MA in Education. On June 22, 1968, he was united in marriage to Marilyn C. Willis in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They made their home in West Des Moines. Tom later received a Specialist Degree in Education from Drake University. He was a teacher and served as principal for Des Moines Public Schools, until his retirement in 2002. Following retirement, he taught teacher education at Iowa State University for several years.
Tom was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa State fan. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and attending their activities.
Tom is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughter, Lisa (Greg) Wall and daughter-in-law, Jenny Turner, all of West Des Moines; grandchildren, Olivia and Connor Wall and Anderson Turner. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved son, Joe.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family, which will go towards a music scholarship at Valley High School in West Des Moines. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.
Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.
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6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50322
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