Dale E. Turner

Dale Elton Turner, 74, of Waynesfield, passed away Thursday morning, 8:35 a.m., Thurs. Jan. 7, 2016, at Lima Memorial Health System, surrounded by his wife and family. He was born February 17, 1941, outside of Waynesfield at home to Lott and Thelma (Sanders) Turner. On July 28, 1960, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Linda Lee Smith and she survives. Other survivors include his three children, Kalin (Debbie) Turner, Waynesfield; Kitt (Jon) Horn, New Hampshire; James (Courtney) Turner, Waynesfield. Dale was a proud grandfather of Tyler, Cole, Gray, Morgan, Ivy, and Jayce. He also had a great granddaughter, Elliett. He is survived by a sister, Carol Riff, and 3 sisters-in-law, Mildred Turner, Kathleen Turner, and Carol Jean Turner Overholser. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Ronald, Lyman, & Lee Turner, a nephew, Rick Turner, and a brother-in-law, Bobby “Hank" Riff. Dale graduated from Waynesfield-Goshen High School in 1959. Dale was a halfback for the 1958 Midwest Loop (League) Championship football team and was selected to the 1958 Midwest All-Conference Team. He was a “T-Brother” in the wing-T offense with Bill Tate. Dale earned a State Farmer Degree and was a lifetime farmer. Dale worked at the Ford Motor Co., Lima Engine Plant; Airstream, Jackson Center; and Superior Tube Co., Wapakoneta. He was a strong supporter of the Auglaize County Junior Fair. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and Pheasants Forever. Dale served as president of the W-G Athletic Boosters for four years and was active in the construction of the concession stand facility at the football field and track. Dale loved The Ohio State Buckeyes and everything John Deere. Dale enjoyed walleye fishing in Canada and family summer trips to Norris Dam Lake in Tennessee. He loved auctions and farming antiques, and spending time with his brothers and sister. The joy of Dale’s life was his wife, his children, his family and his friends. Dale never met a stranger. His garage room was the site of many late-night gatherings for shooting pool, playing cards and talking about sports and farming. He loved welcoming friends and family into his home, and enjoyed his neighbors. Dale was known for his kind heart, sense of humor, and always took the opportunity to “give you the business” with some good-natured ribbing. Some of his favorite sayings were, “There are never too many hugs & Happy Days”. Also, when things went just right, and even maybe when they did not go right at all….he would say, “Perfect.” Funeral services to celebrate Dale’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Mon., Jan. 11, 2015, at Bayliff & Eley Funeral and Cremation Services, 1102 Lincoln Ave. (St. Rt. 501) Wapakoneta with his son-in-law, Pastor Jon Horn officiating. Burial is to follow in the Willow Branch Cemetery, Waynesfield. The family will receive friends 2-8 p.m., Sun. and 1 hr. prior to the service, Mon. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Wayne-Goshen Area Community Foundation, Inc.

Dale E. Turner

February 2, 1941 - January 7, 2016