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William Leslie Turner, 93

William Leslie Turner, 93 years, passed to Heaven on Jan. 14, 2013 at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Mo., with his family by his side.
Leslie was born Nov. 29, 1919 in Pond Fork, Mo., to Daniel Alfred and Rosa Alberta (Woods) Turner.
Leslie was a farmer and a lifelong resident of Thornfield, Mo. He attended school at White Star and then graduated from Thornfield High School. He was a World War II Army veteran. He served in Africa and Italy. After being honorably discharged he returned to Ozark County where he became partners in the farming business with his brother Coy. He lived on the farm until his death.
On July 28, 1949, Leslie and Mavie Alice Wilson, were united in marriage in Longrun, Mo., and to this union six children were born. Mavie died after a battle with cancer in 1972. Leslie continued as provider for his children, the youngest being 12 years old.
Leslie was a Christian and served as a deacon while being a member of the Igo General Baptist Church.
Leslie enjoyed fishing with family and one of his favorite memories was taking a trip to visit his sister, Violia, in Alaska with Coy and Noland. On April 12, 2011 Leslie, accompanied by Kent, traveled to Washington D.C. on an Ozarks Honor Flight in recognition of his service to his country. He was well known as an expert molasses maker.
Leslie was preceded in death by his parents his wife, Mavie four brothers, Sam, Coy, Linlie, and Noland and  four sisters, Alma, Eulah, Mae, and Maggie.
Leslie is survived by six children, Wade Turner, Doyle Turner and wife, Peggy, all of Thornfield, Mo., Gaylon Turner and wife, Karen, Gainesville, Mo., Linda Daugherty and husband, Wendell, Jeanie Smith and husband, Van, and Kent Turner, all of Thornfield, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Regina Gooley, Belena Brantley, Mavie Busboom, Alicia Adams, Cherie Turner, Megan Turner, Kermit Smith and Courtney Smith; nine   great-grandchildren, Michael, Chris and Jacob Gooley, Aislynn, Alaina and Aidan Brantley, Jace and Jemma Smith and Kaia Adams one sister, Viola Clark, Olympia, Wash.; one sister-in-law, Nellie Turner, Ozark, Mo.; numerous nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
He was known by his children as “Daddy”, by his grand- and great-grandchildren as “Papa” and by his many friends and other family members as “Uncle Let.”
Funeral services for Leslie will be Friday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m., in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, Mo., with burial in the Thornfield Cemetery, with full military honors by Douglas County American Legion Post 112. Visitation will be Thursday  from 6 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. Officiating will be Doyle and Gaylon Turner. Memorials may be made to Thornfield Cemetery, Piland Youth Camp or charity of choice.
Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneral home.com.