Turner, John William 1901 - 1937

TURNER, CROWE, KURTH

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/21/2017 at 09:26:56

Clayton County Register, Wed., 24 Nov. 1937.

John W. Turner, 36, died last Thursday, Nov. 18th, in the Lenth hospital here from gasoline burns suffered in Farmersburg Wednesday afternoon. He had been doing electrical work on the Probert service station in Farmersburg, when gasoline was sprayed on his clothing and an electrical spark ignited the gas-soaked clothing.

Nearly all of his clothing was destroyed, and more than half of his body was seared with third degree burns. He was rushed to the local hospital here where he fought a gallant fight, but death came the following day to relieve him of his pains.

John William Turner, son of Jesse and Fanny (Crowe) Turner, was born May 31, 1901, on the William Crowe homestead, south of town. He always resided in this city until tragedy overtook him last week. He was united in marriage on June 26, 1923, with Edna Kurth, and to this union three children were born. The widow and two sons, Jackson Eugene and Robert Edward, survive. One daughter preceded him in death.

Surviving also are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Turner; four brothers: Fred, Walter, Clinton and Raymond; and five sisters: Jessie, Frances, Charlotte, Ellamae and Nellie; besides many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held last Saturday afternoon from the Congregational church, and burial was made in East Side cemetery. The Rev. N. O. Bartholomew officiating.

The family has the sincere sympathy of the entire community for the loss of a husband, father, son and brother, who was just in the prime of life. For several years he had been engaged it the electrical wiring business here in Elkader, working not only here, but in other parts of the county as well, and his untimely death will be mourned by all who knew him.