FRANKLIN
Gerald Dee Turnmire, 78, died peacefully on Friday, May, 22, 2020 at his home with his faithful dog, Penny, on his lap and his cat, Jinx, by his side. He was born on July 16, 1941 in Columbus, IN to Mary M. Lockerd and William H. Turnmire (both deceased).
His siblings include: Ronald, Charles, Aaron, Myron, Quentin, Carolyn (Allman), Donna (Edwards) (all deceased), Joan (Jim) Elmore of North Venon, IN, Linda Butler of Seymour, IN, Brenda (Bruce) Murphy of Black River Falls, WI, Shelby (Aaron) Edwards of Colorado Springs, CO, and Sharon (Larry) Caststetter of North Vernon, IN.
Gerald grew up in Columbus swinging by ropes into the Big Blue River as boys were known to do in the 1950s. He attended Columbus North High School and entered the Air Force when he was 17. He had four children: Theresa Turnmire (deceased), Gary (Mary Jane), Chris (Angie) and Damon (Tina).
He worked at Dunlap’s in Columbus in his early years as a heavy equipment operator, then as a truck driver for Safeway United for many years until he retired. In his retirement he worked for Walmart in the Tire Center where he met his current wife, Helen.
He is survived by ten grandchildren: Tarra, Gary, Jonathan (Dax), Claire, Martina, Blythe, Amelia, Isabella, Isaac and Imara.
He loved watching John Wayne movies, country music, being with family and watching the grandchildren grow up and play sports. He enjoyed their accomplishments both on and off the field. To some he was known as Jerry but to his family he was affectionately known as “tightwad Turnmire” for his love of bartering and finding a “good deal”. He was a jokester, a storyteller, and loved working on cars, especially his 1964 Chevelle, with his sons.
A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, May 30 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Whiteland Church of Christ, 625 W. 600 North, Whiteland with Ronnie Hewitt officiating at 1pm. A military service will follow immediately after at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin. Arrangements entrusted to Jessen Funeral Home – Franklin Chapel.
