Alvin Turner

Col. James Alvin Turner (Ret.), 87, of Jonesboro, passed away peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, March 21, 2017, with his wife Marlene nearby.

Alvin was born October 12, 1929, in the Rock Hill community of northern Craighead County to Everett and Ree Jones Turner. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marlene Butterworth Turner. They were blessed with sons, David (Donna) Turner of St. Peters, Missouri, Kevin (Lisa) Turner of Frisco, Texas, and daughter Cynthia "Cindy" (Jeff) Cole of Jonesboro.

Alvin had 7 wonderful grandchildren that he adored: Austin (Kate) Turner, Casey Turner and Kayla Turner of St. Peters, Missouri, Anthony (fiance Laura Ramirez) Cole of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Samantha Cole of Orlando, Florida, Nathan Turner and Anna Turner of Frisco, Texas. He was looking forward to meeting his first great grandchildren next month. Other survivors include two sisters: Glenda Smith of Jonesboro and Lela Mae Culbertson of West Memphis, brother Danny (Bonnie) Turner of Jonesboro and many extended family members.

In addition to his parents, Alvin was preceded in death by a son, Richard Alvin Turner, sister Agnes Lucille Duffel and brother Billy G. Turner.

Alvin was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and a life member of the Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator and the Honor Guard. He was a life member and past president of the Military Officers Association of America, past commander of ANG 875th Engineering Battalion, past scoutmaster of Troop 4 BSA and a retired Teamster.

Alvin served 18 years on the Board of Variance for Jonesboro and was a past member of the Diocese of Little Rock State School Board as well as other activities and involvements. Following retirement, Alvin was a maintenance volunteer for Blessed Sacrament with 20 years of service. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and spending time with his grandchildren. His hobby was helping others.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Emerson Funeral Home. A Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. in Emerson Memorial Chapel. A funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with burial following in Holy Cross Cemetery. Members of the Knights of Columbus will serve as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the MOAA and ANG 875th Engineering Battalion.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to the Blessed Sacrament Church Building Fund, 720 S. Church St., Jonesboro, AR 72401.