It is with deep sorrow that Carleen and Kay announce the passing of Paul Edward Turner, age 82, of Wheatland, Indiana, on October 17th, 2026. Paul was a storyteller whose humor and memories will be treasured by all who knew him.
Paul was born on June 4th, 1944, in Vincennes, Indiana, to Winfield Scott and Lena (Spoonmore) Turner. He graduated from Vincennes Lincoln High School in 1962 and later took classes at Vincennes University. He volunteered for the U.S. Army but was sent home after a few weeks for health reasons. He remained proud that he had volunteered.
Paul joined the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 561 in 1974 and remained a member until his death. Paul loved a good story and often laughed at his own jokes before anyone else heard the punchline. He enjoyed working outdoors and was often found helping friends and family. He also enjoyed playing chess and pool, fishing, gardening, reading about the world around him, and operating his HAM radio. His family imagines him now at the big pool hall in the sky, cue in hand and ready to win a few dollars.
He is survived by his wife, Katherine Mary (Keller) Turner, whom he married on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1974; his daughter, Carleen Agnes Turner (Brett Ivers); and his brothers James Winfield; Merle Lee (Dartha); and Robert Riley (Janis); along with a myriad of nieces and nephews.
Those who preceded Paul in death include his parents and grandparents, as well as 5 siblings: Mary Elizabeth, Edith Evelyn (whose husband Bill Ruble, also deceased, was a great friend to Paul), Norma Ilene, Cletus Eugene, and Norman Ray. Also preceding Paul in death were a couple of cats who loved him and several good dogs, the last two of whom, Della and Sparky, Wheatland residents may remember as having taken Paul for daily walks around town.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 28th, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home, 524 Broadway Street, Vincennes. Then, beginning at 5:00 pm, friends and family are invited to stay and share readings and memories.
While Paul enjoyed plants and flowers and would have appreciated their beauty as a tribute to his memory, those wishing to honor him in another way may consider making donations to organizations that he and Kay preferred to support, including:
- Friends of the Knox County Public Library — 502 N. 7th Street, Vincennes, IN 47591
- Exotic Feline Rescue Center — 2221 E. Ashboro Road, Center Point, IN 47840
- Steen Township Volunteer Fire Department — 210 S. Niblack Street, Wheatland, IN 47597
May Paul’s stories and laughter live on in all who loved him.
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