- Date Of Birth: January 2, 1967
- Date Of Death: November 25, 2018
- State: Illinois
Thomas “Tommy” Kevin Turner, 51, of Pekin, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2018, at his home.
Tommy was born on January 2, 1967, in Galesburg to William “Bill” and Sharon Sopher Turner. He spent his first years in the Oneida area. Later, he lived in various cities in Illinois including Galesburg, Quincy, Peoria and Pekin. He worked various jobs as he journeyed around Illinois. He was a cook for many years. This was a profession he enjoyed very much. He drove a fork lift truck and worked in many factory-type settings. His last job was through AFS at Caterpillar. He was a crib attendant at Mossville for 5 years.
Tommy has one son, Richard “Richy” Micheal Turner, of Galesburg. Richy’s world has been turned up-side-down with the loss of his father. They shared a sense of humor and quick wit that few can match.
Tommy has left shoes that no one can fill in Richy’s life. Richy enjoyed time with his Dad. He will miss him more than anyone can know. Tommy also had a special friend in his life, Dianna Marthers, of Abingdon. Dianna’s daughter, Jennifer Marthers, was like a daughter to Tommy. She gave him two children who he considered to be his grandchildren, Drake and Harper Allison. They meant the world to him.
Tommy is survived by his father, Bill Turner, and his wife, Debbie, of Oneida. His mother’s twin sister, Karen Raymond of Galesburg, also survives.
Tommy was close to his niece and nephews, Becky, Mike, and Marcus Turner. They often sought him out for advice or just to talk. He was that kind of person. They survive him as do his great nieces and nephews that thought the world of Uncle Tom: Addisyn, Ella, Paisley, Kevin, and Julian. There are also more nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles as well as numerous close friends, too many to mention, that survive Tommy. Tommy was preceded in death by his mother, Sharon Turner, his sister, Kari Jo Shipley, and his brother, Rod Turner.Tommy loved life. He was one of the “East Enders.” Those friendships have stood the test of time. He loved to cook and eat. You never knew what Tommy was cooking up, but you knew it would be good. He was an excellent cook. When Tommy was younger, he took Kuk Sool Won classes which he took very seriously. He still followed Kuk Sool Won to this day.
Tommy loved the outdoors. His passion was fishing. He took his son, Richy, fishing in his younger years.
Tommy never outgrew his love for this sport. Jeff Curtis was his constant fishing buddy. Tommy also was an excellent pool player. He won many a tournament and still played pool whenever he could.Tommy loved music. He enjoyed concerts. He enjoyed being with friends, in whatever activity that was going on.
He loved the outdoors. He enjoyed being around people. His eyes would light up and he would be so excited when he was where he wanted to be. His joy was contagious.
Tommy had a way with words and could put a person at ease just by talking to them. He had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. His presence always brightened a room.
