Jack Ray Turner

Jack Ray Turner, 90 years old, of Louisburg, KS, peacefully passed on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, July 30, 2021 at Dengel Mortuary Louisburg Chapel. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 31, 2021 at the Louisburg United Methodist Church 249 N. Metcalf Louisburg, Kansas. Burial to follow at the Louisburg Cemetery. Jack was born in Baxter Springs, Kansas to William and Margaret (Dolly) Swaim Turner on May 23, 1931. He dedicated his life to family and school family. He graduated from Baxter Springs High School in 1949, where he was active in Football. Jack served in the Army from 1950 to 1953, achieving the rank of Sergeant of the Motor Pool. In 1956, he was ordained to the Baptist Ministry in Baxter Springs, and subsequently pastored Ottawa Indian Baptist Church, then Treece Baptist Church until 1968. During his tenure, he held many revivals in the area and was involved in church camps. Jack graduated from Pittsburg State University in 1960 and began a career in education, first as a teacher, then a principal, at Riverton, Paola, and Louisburg. He enjoyed seeing former staff and students around town. Although it was difficult to leave a job he loved, Jack retired in 1996. He was an avid runner and exercised daily. Jack was active in the United Methodist Church of Louisburg. He and Gayle spent their retirement working on their house, in their yard, and spending time together. Family gatherings were always important to him, and he was sure to lead us with a prayer and a blessing before the meal. The day would be spent laughing and sharing stories, talking to kids in his Donald Duck voice, and listening to music. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Richard Turner, sons Jackie Ray Turner, Jr. and John William Turner, daughter Diane Lee Sprague, granddaughter Morgan, and great-grandson Aedan. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 45 years Gayle, daughters Karen Turner, Kay Montella, and Beth Edmonds, sons Jody Turner and Douglas Turley, 19 grandchildren Kristin, Nikki, JR, Caleb, Josh, Chasity, Chelsea, Jessica, Joseph, Cheyenne, Dustin, Tamara, Jessica, Rachael, Stephanie, Jennifer, Jacob, Anne, Sarah, and 41 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Heart Association. To leave a special message for Jack's family, please click the Share Memories tab above.