Joe L. Turner (Papa Joe), 96, of Olton, went to be with the Lord on June 8, 2015. Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, June 11, 2015 at the First Baptist Church in Olton with Brother David Azam officiating. Interment will follow at Olton Cemetery under the direction of Ramage Funeral Directors. A family visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at Ramage Funeral Directors in Olton.

Joe was born on March 22, 1919, in Weatherford, Texas. He attended school at Weatherford and then went to Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth, Texas. World War II interrupted Joe's senior year when he was called for military service. He served in the U.S. Navy as Chief Petty Officer in charge of training navy recruits. He spent his time in the Navy in Great Lakes, Illinois. After being discharged, Joe went back to Texas Wesleyan College and earned his B.S. degree. Then he entered Texas Christian University in Fort Worth and earned his Master's Degree in Education. While he was at Texas Wesleyan College, he met his wife, Gwynne. They were married 72 years before her passing on April 2, 2012. Joe started his teaching/coaching career in Olney, Texas in 1946. He then moved to Nocona, Texas and was the head football coach from 1947-1949. Joe then was called to come to Olton where he served as head football coach and athletic director in 1952. In 1960, he became the high school principal until 1970 when he was appointed superintendent of schools. Joe retired in 1983 after 37 years in education.

Joe was active in the Olton Lions Club for many years and was named Lion of the Year in 1965. In 1972, he was presented with the Outstanding Citizen of Olton award. He was also a member of the Olton Masonic Lodge #1247. Joe loved playing golf and was very involved with the Olton Country Club where he served on the board for many years.

His wife, Gwynne, two brothers, and two sisters, preceded Joe in death. Joe leaves behind two sons, David Turner and his wife, Gaynette of Seminole and Bobby Turner and his wife, Barbara of Olton. Joe had five grandchildren: Chris Turner and his wife, Kim of Lubbock, Jennifer McCormick and her husband, Monty of Seminole, Heather Sanchez and her husband, Mike of Amarillo, Cari Garcia and her husband, Steve of Odessa, and Kristi Flusche and her husband, Conrad of Groesbeck. Joe also had 11 great-grandchildren: Tyler and Brook McCormick, Travis and Austin Turner, Mallery Warden, Avery Sanchez, Caitlin and Kylee McIntire, A.J. Garcia, and Brittney and Lindsey Flusche.

Memorials may be made to the Runningwater Draw Care Center P.O. Box 409 Olton, TX 79064.