Willie Arthur Turner

Funeral service for Willie Arthur Turner will be 11 a.m., Tues., Aug. 4, at Catoosa Indians Activity Center with Pastor James Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Ghormley Cemetery, Pensacola, under the direction of MMS-Payne Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Mon. 1-8 p.m., and family will greet friends 6-8 p.m.

Willie passed away Wed., July 29, 2015, at St. John Hospital, Tulsa, at the age of 46.

The son of Willie Wilburn Turner and Iva Lois (Warren) Turner was born Nov. 13, 1968, in Claremore. He grew up and attended school in Catoosa., graduating from Catoosa High School in 1987. After high school Willie began his working career. Serving as a Catoosa Volunteer Firefighter. He served for over 22 years retiring as a lieutenant.. Also working as the animal control officer for the town of Catoosa. This job was significant to Willie, because as the control officer Willie worked close with many local veterinarian offices. That's where he became reacquainted with Kathi Charles. Things progressed well for them so in May of 2001 they opened Turner Wrecker Service. A few months later on November 13, 2001 they married while on a trip in Kissimmee, Florida. They then returned home to run the wrecker service they started. In fact the wrecker service became so successful that it earned a couple of local awards, one being business of the year,

Willie had many hobbies and pastimes. Collecting antique John Deere tractors was one of his favorites. The 1938 was his favorite with the 1953 R as a close second. Big trucks were also high on his list. Willie loved mud bogging, so much that he put in his own mud pit at his home. Other hobbies included fishing, camping, hunting and just about anything else you can do with big trucks and tractors. Such as becoming part of the Guinness Book of World Records by participating in the worlds largest truck parade and the world largest tractor parade.

Willie was also known as a person who loved being around people. It didn't matter if it was family or friends. He loved hosting 4th of July parties and Halloween Hay rides. Coaching kids little league soccer and baseball. His motivation for helping earned him a seat on Pawnee Steam Engine Club and the Route 66 Fly Wheelers club. He was the founder of the Red Neck Mudders, a mud bogging club, and many more.

He is preceded in death by his father, Willie Turner and brother, Steven Turner.

Willie is survived by his wife, Kathi of the home; children: Willile Dee Turner, Shalane Turner, Madison Jones, Kaydeeann Turner, and Cheyann Turner all of Catoosa as well as Chris Fort whom he raised as a son; son-in-law, Shaggy McGann; mother, Lois Turner of Catoosa; mother-in-law, Lois Charles of Claremore; brothers: Ronnie Jackson, and Warren Turner; sisters: Lisa Turner-Thomas, Patricia Clinton and Tina Carpenter ; brother-in-law, Jason Charles; sister-in-law, Kristi McGonigle and husband, Chuck; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.