Donald Edward Turner

Donald Edward Turner, 94, of Marshall, IL, died at 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2020, at Willowbrook Memory Care in Marshall. He was born March 24, 1926, in East St. Louis, IL, the son of George & Dorothy (Fickinger) Turner, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Mary Alice Carr on June 30, 1951, and she preceded him in death August 5, 1989. He was also preceded in death by his step-son, Robert Messenger. He married Mary Louise (Chapman) Messenger on November 17, 1990, and she survives. He is also survived by his daughter, Laura Anne Turner (Olney, IL); by his step-daughter & son-in-law, Barb & Steve Willmoth (Marshall, IL); by his step-sons & daughters-in-law, Terry & Sally Messenger (Robinson, IL), Jerry & Judy Messenger (Milford, MA), and Lon & Sally Messenger (Jacksonville, FL). Don grew up in East Saint Louis and was the President of the Class of 1944 at East St. Louis Senior High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. During his tenure in the service, he played saxophone and clarinet in the Air Force Band, and continued pursuing his love of music long after his honorable discharge. Back home, he received a Bachelor's Diploma in Psychology from Washington University, and applied his degree and love of people to a career selling insurance. He worked as a self-employed agent for 33 years. Away from work, he found great enjoyment in traveling. To experience culture and humanity in a new light was stimulating and helped him to become a more well-rounded person. Those blessed to know him undoubtedly remember Don Turner​ as an easy-going man whose life was lived outwardly, with a sense of generosity that was simply unbounded. In short, he redefined the word "kindness". The way he lived his life was undoubtedly a picture of the eternal life. He worshipped at St. Paul Methodist Church in Olney, IL. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at the Mound Cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements. As Don was a man who gave abundantly to those in need, memorial contributions may be made to "The Master's Hands, Inc", a non-profit ministry providing food for the spirit, as well as the body, for people having financial difficulties in Richland County and the surrounding area. Learn more by going to https://the-masters-hands-inc.business.site/