Jesse Donald Turner

 In Loving Memory of Jesse Donald Turner

“Oh the last goodbye’s the hardest one to say, and this is where the cowboy rides away”-

On April 20th, 1928 Jesse Donald Turner was born to James L. Turner and Elda Mac Turner. His journey here on earth began in the small town of Mountainair, New Mexico. He married his high school sweetheart on May 27th, 1945 and together they joined the church of the Nazarene.

Jesse and his brother James were very close and after James joined the Navy, Jesse followed suit in 1946 and served until 1949. After serving his country he went to work for Sante Fe railroad and in 1955 he and his young family continued their journey together and  traveled to California joining James once again. His strong work ethic, sense of service, quick witt and charming personality made him a natural salesman and he soon found employment working for The Singer Company. He was recognized for his hard work and promoted throughout the company providing a wonderful home for his wife and three sons. 

In 1982, along with his beautiful wife Lois, Jesse purchased Ronnie’s Jewelers and relocated to Lake Elsinore, Ca. This allowed him time to introduce his growing family to his love of horses.

Jesse was an avid horseman and shared that passion with his sons and grandchildren. He enjoyed having family over and organizing rides in which they could all saddle up and enjoy a ride on his prized Missouri Foxtrotters. Most of the time Lois would have a pot of his favorite pinto beans ready for dinner when they all returned. He was also an accomplished golfer and bowler. Along with trail rides, Jesse and his sons enjoyed hunting while on horseback. The boys would sometimes meet at his middle sons,  Don’s home in Morongo Valley and hunt the back mountains. Jesse also loved Bowling alongside his oldest son, James, for many years and golfing until his health no longer permitted it. His sons and grandchildren enjoyed these pastimes along with him. 

He made lifelong relationships with his customers and employees at Ronnie’s Jewelers. He and Lois made it a family business, extending employment opportunities to his family members and even allowing his grandchildren to accompany him to work, where he showed them all the beautiful jewelry he helped refine and perfect. He greeted everyone with his warm smile and bright eyes and made sure everyone that came in felt like they were his number one priority. 

Jesse and Lois created a legacy that would be continued by their oldest son in 1991 when it was time for them to embark on their next  journey. 

Just like the two kids who eloped in 1945 and left home, Jesse and Lois decided to leave their home in Lake Elsinore and pursue their dream of owning a state of the art Missouri Fox Trotter facility. They moved to Missouri and established “Diamond T Stables”. They had decided that they would spend part of the year at the property and part of the year traveling in their RV, home away from home, to visit family and friends. 

Their journey would eventually lead them back to California for the remainder of their love story here on earth.

Their love story was one to be passed on through generations, they would share their stories with their grandchildren and were a beautiful example to those around them. Never a time was Jesse looking at his wife when the twinkle of love was not present in his eye. Only he could make her laugh and giggle like the 17 year old bride that she once was. 

Lois left this earth November, 1st 2012 and she took a little bit of that twinkle and spark of life in his eye with her. 

Jesse’s sons and grandchildren continued to share special time with him, bowling, golfing, sitting and sharing stories. He watched his grandchildren’s children grow and have families of their own. He held their babies and shared his smile and love with them all. His dedication to his family never faltered and when his health permitted he made the effort to visit them all. 

On Wednesday, July 10th 2019, Jesse passed away in the comfort of his youngest son,  Bill’s, home just the way he wanted. He had been surrounded by family, friends and his border collies the days following up to his death. He was comforted with warm hands holding his, shared stories of his past, and the love of his family.

Jesse was preceded in death by his mother and father, wife Lois, brother and sister-in-law James and Nellie Turner, great grandsons Jesse Zingg and Joshua Davis and great great grandson Jude Turner.

He is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law’s, James “Jim” and Ruth, Donald “Don”  and Susana, and WIlliam “Bill” and Anna “Annie”. 

He also leaves behind grandchildren, Mitchell Turner, Paul Turner, Robin Davis, Leah Turner, Ronnie Turner, Shannamarie Zingg, Renee Turner, Jamie Turner, Sheila Curtis, Tim & Kenny Padgett, and Nikki Rae Ogle & Renee Barb. Great grandchildren, Jeffrey Quiring, James Turner and Jesyka Brockmeir, Tonia Aymond and Meagen Turner, Danielle Zingg, Morgan, Jakob & Jordan Davis, Janelle & Haley Turner, McKenzie & Mason Baker, Lillian Kingsley, Chase, Chance, Cole & Cooper Curtis, and Conner, Cameron & Caden Padgett. Great-great grandchildren, Rylan & Elijah Turner, Charlee & Jesse Lambing, Tara & Asher Aymond and Herbie Brockmeir. 

Family and friends will gather to say goodbye to Jesse on Monday, July 22nd at Evans-Brown Mortuary 126 E. Graham Ave, Lake Elsinore. Viewing will be from 8:30-10 am, service will be held from 10-11:00 am followed by full Military detail at Wildomar Cemetery at 11:30 am.

John 14:27

27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

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