Joseph Ersel "Joe" Turner Jr.

Joe was a native Houstonian born on the 27th of October 1931 at Heights Hospital. He graduated from Reagan High School and then attended the University of Houston. Upon his graduation from U of H he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army where he proudly served three years both stateside and abroad in Germany. Joe was honorably discharged and returned to Houston, his lifelong home. He worked briefly for Baker Oil Tools before being offered an opportunity of a lifetime. Joe accepted the opportunity at Service Corporation International where he loyally worked for his lifelong friend, Bobby Waltrip. Joe held several positions at SCI before retiring as a Senior Vice President. In retirement, Joe continued to enjoy many of his passions, most notably hunting and fishing with a little golf thrown in for good measure. Not commonly known about Joe was his enjoyment of gardening and spending time on his bicycle in and around his neighborhood. Joe was a faithful member of Westbury Baptist Church and often attended services at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with his wife, Barbara.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Ersel Turner, Sr. and Vertis Pearl Smith Turner. He is survived by his beloved and ever caring wife, Barbara Emerson Turner; and his two children, Richard Stephen Turner and Kelley Turner Steinley. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Michael Emerson, and wife, Regina; and Paul Emerson, along with five grandchildren; and many close friends.

The family would like to thank Joe’s many physicians and caregivers associated with the St. Luke’s Hospital system. Against all odds, through their care, his family was blessed with another year of loving memories.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from four o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Monday, the 13th of May, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

The funeral service is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 14th of May, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

At a later date, the family is to gather for a private interment at Magnolia Springs Cemetery in Magnolia Springs, Texas.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Heart Association, 10060 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77054; or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123-1718.