Lester Lee “Tony” Turner, 82 years, 7 months, 29 days old, went home to Heaven on November 14, 2022 at his home with his family by his side.
Tony was born March 15, 1940 in Toledo, Mo in Ozark County to Lloyd “Jake” and Rosa (Cotton) Turner.
He served proudly and honorably in the U.S. Air Force from 1957 to 1960.
In December of 1964 Tony and Julia Joyce Turner were united in marriage in Ava by the Rev. Tom Johnson and together they were blessed with a daughter, Teresa. Tony & Joyce moved from Ava to Kansas City for 33 years.Tony owned and operated L & T auto body and fender shop in Kansas City for 17 years. He was called into the Ministry in 1983 and graduated from Calvary Bible College in 1987 and then attended Northwest Missouri State University for two years. Tony was a minister at the Hamilton Baptist Church in Hamilton, MO. After moving back to southern Missouri he was a revival minister for several years. This was followed by being a minister at the Set Free Bible Church for 14 years and then retired. Following retirement from K.C. they moved back to Squires and bought a farm. Due to health, they moved into the city limits of Ava and this summer they moved in with their daughter, Teresa and son-in-law, Trampas Miller.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Landen Nic-Cole, whom he was so blessed by. He was also preceded by his siblings, Betty Jo Clubb, Carl Turner, Paul Turner and Jim Turner.
He is survived by his wife, Julia Joyce; his daughter and husband, Teresa & Trampas Miller whom will lovingly remember him until they meet again. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services for Tony will be Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, MO with burial following in the Sweden Cemetery with full military honors by the Troy Herd American Legion 112 and U.S. Air Force. Visitation will be prior to the service from Noon to 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Family request memorials to the Sweden Cemetery. Officiating will be Pastor Larry Vinson.
