William Turner 1905-1926

TURNER

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 11/4/2022 at 13:09:43

3 January 1927 - The Clinton Advertiser
page 10
DeWitt, Iowa Jan. 3 - Funeral services for William Joseph Turner were held at 2:30 o'clock Friday afternoon at the United Presbyterian church, Rev. R. L. Wilson, the pastor, officiating, assisted by Dr. Buser, student-pastor at Ames college Presbyterian church. The funeral was one of the largest held in DeWitt in years and the floral tributes were numerous and beautiful. Interment was in Elmwood cemetery where the Masonic fraternity had charge.

Eleven of the fraternity brothers of the decedent attended the funeral and acted as pall bearers. They were: Harold Wilcke, Clinton; William Zimmerman, Harvel, Ill.; Paul Goeser, Burlington; Harold Mathews, Danville, Ill.; Harlan Girton, Mason City; Archie Peterson, Kirkman, Ia.; Raph Famer, Delhi, Ia.; Willard Grove, Ames; Walter Burcholtz, Wyoming; Vernon Shepard, Muscatine; Ernest Wright, Central City.

William Joseph Turner, second son of John N. and Hannah Turner, was born at the farm home 5 miles east of DeWitt, Jan. 30, 1905, and passed away at Ames, Iowa, at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 28, 1926 as a result of an operation for appendicitis, performed on Dec. 22, aged 21 years, 10 months and 28 days.

At this young period of life he had accomplished very many deeds, in live stock work judging contests, club work and church work.

Since 1915 he had assisted in showing grand champion hogs at national swine shows, state fairs, international live stock shows and county fairs.

As a livestock judge he showed his natural ability at the age of 11 years, by placing third at the international competing with 100 boys mostly 20 years old.

In 1924 he won a large loving cup for having the best pig in the club work.

In August 1925 he performed his greatest accomplishment by gong to Des Moines all alone and winning the state judging contest, giving him a $175 scholarship to Ames and a $50 gold watch.

He graduated from DeWitt High school in 1924, spent one year at home and Clinton business college. He entered Ames college in the fall of 1923, where he won many friends with his pleasing personality and unselfishness.

He was a member of Lanthus fraternity and all the boys loved "Bill" and his jolly, upright, Christian ways.

He won a numeral in cross country and track during his freshman year and had worked his way on the cross country team this fall but was forced to drop out because of an attack of appendicitis.

He was very active in the West Gate Presbyterian church, of which he was an elder and took a most active part in Sabbath school and young people's meeting.

"Willie" or "Bill" as he was familiarly called was an obedient son, faithful student and beloved friend.

At the age of twelve he united with the U.P. church under the pastorate of the Rev. W. H. Anderosn, and the young life then budding into manhood was moulded under the sympathetic touch of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson.

At one time Willie considered very seriously entering the ministry. However his plans were changed and he entered upon another vocation, but still in harmony with what he felt was the Master's will.

He was ever faithful to the church vows he had taken, was a faithful attendant, especially active in the young peoples work. He loved his Bible and did not miss an opportunity to set forth its teachings to his companions and friends.

His parents were with him at the time of his death, and had all done in human power to save his life. They returned home Wednesday morning with the body, accompanied by Prof. Holser, Willie's college professor and Sabbath school teacher, and Harold Wilcke, a fraternity brother.

His beautiful young Christian life made a lasting impression on his friends doubly so during his last illness as evidenced by a letter from a friend who said "Those of us who were privileged to hear his last words will always remember with kindest thoughts the deep impression he made on us with words of warning to follow the right path that leads to Jesus Christ."

One fraternity brother who was at his death bed said "I never felt the presence of God so close before in my life."