Paul Dennis Turner, 91, of Jackson, Missouri died Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

He was born Tuesday, January 26, 1926 in Oak Ridge, Missouri to Pier and Ruby (Cotner) Turner.

He and Hester Cobble were married Sunday, January 9, 1944 at Osceola, Arkansas.

Paul was a 1943 graduate of Oak Ridge High School. He enlisted in the Merchant Marines at age 17 but could not enter until his 18th birthday. He served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII.

Paul was a farmer in the Oak Ridge area all of his life. He served on the Oak Ridge School Board for 12 years, the Federal Housing Board for Cape Girardeau, Perry and Bollinger counties. He was on the Board of Trustees and a member at the former Oak Ridge UMC. Paul currently was a member of the New McKendree UMC.

He and Hester loved to dance on the weekends and after retirement he loved to play golf.

Survivors include his wife of 73 years, Hester Turner of Jackson; three sons, Dr. Paul (Rita) Turner of Perryville, MO, Robert Donald (Shirley) Turner of Marble Hill, MO and William Lee (Marty Bounds) Turner of Bay Saint Louis, MS; brothers, Jim (Sara) Turner of Jackson, John (Sandy) Turner of Jackson; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Turner of Cape Girardeau; 8 grandchildren, Dr. Anne (Doug) Turner Williams, Jenny (Brian) Ernst, Robert (Sherry) Turner, Dr. Jeffrey (Stephanie) Turner, David (Stacey) Turner, Donna Turner Donoho, Billy Turner, Julie (Troy) Turner Seals; 11 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Steven Turner and a brother, Burnell Turner.

Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau. Memorial contributions may be given to the New Salem UMC Cemetery Fund.