Wesley John Turner of Quinter departed this world to be with his Lord & Savior on October 16, 2020, at the age of 83, due to complications of Covid-19 after a short stay at the Gove County LTC.
Wes was born July 30, 1937 on a farm in rural Quinter, KS to Lee Marlin and Della Kathryn (Long) Turner. He attended Bloomfield Country School through 8th grade, graduated from Quinter High School in 1955, and went on to attend Fort Hays State University for two years before moving back to Quinter with his wife and children to raise his family.
He married his high school sweetheart Loretta Phlieger, also of Quinter, on September 24, 1955 at St. Michael’s Church in Collyer, KS. They celebrated 65 wonderful years of marriage in September. Wes and Loretta owned and operated Turner’s Locker at 4th and Main for over 20 years, from the early 1960's to the late 1980’s. Wes was also a volunteer fireman and one of the eight original founders of the Quinter Ambulance Service in 1973.
Wes and Loretta joined Amway in 1977. They travelled extensively around the country as they built their new business and made many new friends along the way. In May 2001 they travelled to Odessa, Ukraine to visit the Black Sea villages of Loretta’s German ancestors, as well as touring through parts of Germany, France, Austria, and Italy.
Wes loved flying and earned his pilot’s license in the 1960’s. He enjoyed taking his children on short trips and flew occasionally to Arizona to visit friends and family. His outgoing, gregarious nature made him a popular visitor as he traveled throughout Western Kansas as an independent operator of the “Sausage Man” business.
Wes loved his family selflessly. He never met a stranger. He loved gardening, tinkering in his shop, and most of all music. As a child he grew up in a musical family in a time before television when church, hard work, visiting neighbors and music were the core of family life. He played numerous instruments, notably banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and guitar. All of his children were in the QHS band.
He is survived by his wife Loretta and seven children: Terry of Parker, CO, Kristy Gerhardt and husband Randy of Salina, KS, Karla Murray and husband Rick of Goodland, KS, Wayne of Tampa, FL, Tom of Aurora, CO, Steve and Rinnie of San Francisco, CA, Levi and wife Debra from Iola, TX; 5 grandchildren: Cassie Murray, Hailey Murray, Meghan Turner, Michael Turner, and Brogan Turner; and six great-grandchildren: Jayden, Brinley, Presley, Emberley, Ryker, and Brylee Jo. He is also survived by brother Max and wife Gladys of Burlington, KS; sister Louise Hisey of Colorado Springs, CO; as well as many nieces and nephews who dearly loved him. He was preceded in death by parents Lee and Della, sister Twila Yowell, and brother Roland.
His nephew Ray had this to say: “Wes’ laugh was infectious. His enthusiasm for music was endearing. His humility was his strength. His love for his family was evident. Wes was a good man.”
At this time, a private family service will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Collyer, KS. with Fr. Charlie Steier as Celebrant. Graveside services are open to all and will be held at St. Michael’s Cemetery at 11:30 am, Saturday, November 7, 2020.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the QHS Music Department in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 S. Main, Quinter, KS 67752.
Condolences may be left online at www.schmittfuneral.com.