Bob and family moved to Ava in 1960 as owners of Rexall Drug Bob Turton, 88, passed away June 13, 2009 in Richmond, Texas with his wife Martha by his side. They had been married seventy years and were formerly from Ava.
Bob had been critically ill for over two years and had been in a nursing home. He developed Parkinson’s and diabetes and suffered complications from a broken hip.
In 1960 Bob retired from General Motors and he, Martha and Larry moved from Springfield to Ava. They had purchased the Rexall Drug Store “on the square” from the late Clyde Norman. The Turtons soon became involved in the community.
Bob joined the Chamber of Commerce and was elected president several times. He joined and supported the Ava Country Club and golf course. He did volunteer work in supporting the Fox Trotter Organization. Several years later Larry and his former wife Mary showed their fox trotters, winning many blue ribbons. Bob was one of the businessmen who originated the Glade Top Trail that is still an active organization. Martha, Larry and his wife Lois attended the dinner at Glade Top Trail in 2008 and enjoyed seeing friends there.
While in Ava, Bob had fun teaching Larry the skill of fly fishing and buying him his first gun for quail hunting.
Larry still enjoys fishing and his favorite sport is deer and turkey hunting in the West Plains area. Bob could no longer fish or hunt but enjoyed hearing Larry reminisce about the fun times they had together.
Shortly after Larry graduated from Ava High School they sold the drug store to Jess Meritt and moved back to Springfield where Bob returned to insurance adjusting.
Martha and Larry formed Bridal Illusion Veils and Accessories Corporation. They operated the business for twenty-five years before selling the factory and retail store. At that time Bob and Martha retired and moved to Richmond, TX to be near their daughter, Nancy, and family.
During World War II Bob served in the Navy as RDM2/C (radar specialist) on the LST 834. The LSTs delivered guns, ammunitions, vehicles, and supplies to Marines in the Philippines. After a brief stop in Japan at the end of the war he returned safely home in 1946.
Bob was a lifetime member of Masonic Fellowship Lodge 345 in Joplin, MO and American Legion Post 0676, Brookline Station, M0.
Bob is survived by his wife Martha Turton of Richmond, Texas; daughter Nancy Turton Bowman and husband Mike of Richmond Texas; son Larry Turton and wife Lois of Galena, Mo.; grandchildren Michelle Bowman Howard, M.D. and husband Gregory Howard, M.D. of Sugar Land, Texas; Brent Bowman and wife Stacey of Cypress, Texas; great grandchildren Mackenzie and Morgan Howard, Cameron and Christian Bowman.
As requested, Bob was cremated and a family service will be held at a later date at Carl Junction Cemetery near his hometown of Joplin.
For those wishing to share a memory or tribute to Bob, or words of comfort may be expressed to the family at 1622 Chapelwood, Richmond, TX 77406 or mltmartha@yahoo.com.
