John P. Turner

Earthly angel was called home to our Lord and Savior on June 13, 2024, and Heaven roared with the sounds of trumpets, cymbals, laughter, and smiles as he made his heavenly transition to eternal life.

On May 3, 1937, in Summit, Mississippi, a baby boy was born to the union of Mytis Drucilla and Elzie Turner. They named him John. He was the second of seven boys and five girls.

Mickey, J.P., or Turner, as his friends and family called him, attended Lincoln County Training School and Eva H. Harris High School, joined the United States Army in 1956 at the age of 17, and served his country faithfully. After his military service, he moved to Chicago and began working for United Parcel Service (UPS). He worked for many years at L. Fish Furniture as a truck driver, and his final employment was at Burr Oaks Cemetery, where he proudly buried those who had passed and treated them and their families with compassion, dignity, and respect.

Mickey accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age and faithfully watched and served under Dr. Frederick K.C. Price of Crenshaw Christian Center.

He was an active supporter of the VFW Benjamin O. Davis, Post 311, Richton Park, IL, where he played weekly Biz Whiz, told military stories, and hung out with his many friends.

He loved traveling and traveled extensively all over the United States and beyond. He was an avid nature lover who explored the gigantic redwood trees, Yosemite National Park, Big Sur, and the Golden Gate Bridge in CA, as well as Las Vegas, the Florida coast, zoos, aquariums, and the magnificent bison in Indiana. His hobbies included all sports, politics (especially Rev. Al Sharpton's Politics Nation), and he played AAA baseball. He also enjoyed drag racing.

His health began to fail in 2023, but with determination, perseverance, and the love and support of his 'ride or die,' youngest son Duane, he endured and never gave up. He entered eternal rest on June 13, 2024, surrounded by his son Duane and his partner, Ti, who lovingly and unselfishly cared for him in his final months.

He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife of 50 years, Juanita; brothers Ernest, John Edward 'Jit,' Benton 'Bo,' and a brother who died at birth; and sisters Martha and Ethel.

Left behind to cherish his wonderful memories are his children Lawanda of Santa Maria, CA; Reginald (Jenny) of Temecula, CA; and Duane (Ti) of Country Club Hills; grandchildren Erika, Parish, and Jamill; great-grandchildren Jemini, Journee, and Jream; sisters Betty of LA, Shirley (Ezie) of VA, Carolyn of Summit, MS; brothers Thomas 'Tug' of Brookhaven, MS, and Willie Ray Sr. of Bogue Chitto, MS.

Mickey also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, VFW comrades, and friends.

'To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.'

You will sorely be missed. We love you!

Visitation Thursday June 20, from 3-7pm at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home 18230 Dixie Highway in Homewood. Funeral Friday 10am at the Funeral Home. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elmwood, IL.  For further information contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.