Obituary of Junior Turner

Junior Lee Turner was born in Speedwell, Tennessee on April 25, 1936. He was one of eight children born from the union of the late Austin M. Turner and the late Mary M. (Oirck) Turner. Junior's family moved to Monroe in the early 1940's where he attended Lincoln School. He would later earn his GED. Junior was a jack of all trades, but a master of none. He was skilled with his hands and had a sharp mind. Junior earned a license as a barber and as a mechanic. He loved working on cars and although he had only worked in an auto shop for a short time spent a lifetime wrenching on cars in the yard. He had also worked for a time at the Ford stamping plant, as a handyman, and in refrigeration. Junior was a private man, and he preferred keeping to himself. Although, he could be grumpy at times, Junior was very likeable just the same. He enjoyed listening to music and his favorite was that of Bluegrass Gospel. Junior Lee Turner, age 77 of Monroe, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 21, 2013 at his home. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by a daughter: Karen Wherry; three brothers: Doyle Turner, Hoyle Turner, and Kenith Turner; and a sister-in-law: Thelma Turner. To cherish his memory, Junior leaves a son: Kenneth (Diane) Turner of Monroe; a son-in-law: Louis Wherry of Ypsilanti; four sisters: Mildred (Ted) Hawkins, Hazel Leach, JoAnn (Norm) Stoner, and Ada Turner all of Monroe; a sister-in-law: Margaret Turner; two grandchildren: Kenneth Turner II and Melissa Dawn Wherry; and numerous nieces and nephews. A private gathering was held at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. Friends are invited to gather for a graveside service at 12:30pm on Friday, October 25, 2013 at Roselawn Memorial Park, 13200 South Dixie Highway in LaSalle the Reverend Eugene White will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with funeral expenses. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.