Ronald "Cork" Eugene Turnbull

Ronald “Cork” Eugene Turnbull, 79, of Axtell, Kansas passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca, Kansas where he was being cared for by the Comfort Care Team.

Ron was born on February 19. 1946, to Max and Ada (Smith) Turnbull at Pawnee City, Nebraska. His early years were spent in rural Summerfield, Kansas. Then, his family moved to the family farm in Vliets, Kansas. Ron graduated from the eighth grade in Vliets and in 1964, he graduated from Frankfort High School. After high school, he attended a diesel mechanic school in Kansas City.

Trucking was Ron’s career for more than 60 years. He established Turnbull Truckline, Inc. and was working with Howie’s Recycling in Manhattan, Kansas at the time of his death. He also farmed in the Lincoln Township area of Marshall County.

Ron married Iris VanDorn at the Salem Lutheran Church in Axtell, Kansas on November 27, 1971. They were blessed with a daughter, Melanie.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Madelyn Stewart Turnbull; his brother, Roger Turnbull; and his stepbrothers, Chuck Stewart, Bill Stewart, Dave Stewart, and Tom Stewart.

Ron is survived by his wife, Iris of rural Axtell; his daughter, Melanie Don Turnbull of Manhattan, Kansas; and his brother, Max Turnbull of Vliets, Kansas.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, at 2:00 p.m. in rural Axtell, Kansas. Pastor Jeff Swanson will officiate.  Selected hymns will be “In My Heart There Rings a Melody,” “To God Be the Glory,” “When We All Get to Heaven,” and “Because He Lives.” Honorary pallbearers will be Tim McCurdy, Scott O’Neil, Alan Turnbull, Kevin Turnbull, Scott Turnbull, and Troy Turnbull. Following the service, a Swedish Fika (coffee hour) will be held at the church. A private burial in the Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Comfort Care Team of Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca, sent in care of Popkess Memorial Chapel, 814 Castle Street, Seneca Kansas 66538.