Fred Dewey "Sonny Boy" Turner Jr., age 78, of Mt. Vernon and a former resident of Chicago died 9:57 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at his home in Mt. Vernon.

Fred was born June 25, 1929 in Mt. Vernon, IL a son of Rev. Fred Dewey Turner Sr. and Viola (Gardner) Turner.

He married Odell (Wilder) on June 14, 1958 and she died on May 27, 1987.

He later married Shirley (Whitten) on July 14, 1988 and she died on May 2, 2004.

Fred served his country in the United States army during WWII Stationed in Guam. He was a Security Guard for the City of Chicago for many years, was former Vice President of Cook County Senior Housing and was a member of Antioch International Assembly in Mt. Vernon.

He is survived by nine daughters, Vivian Duncan, Wynetta Turner both of Flint Michigan, Arnettus Young and husband Theodore of Steger, IL, Katie Winchester of Dayton, Ohio, Diane Adams and husband Jesse, Cheryl Taylor, Sabrina Haymer and husband Sam, Harriet Turner and husband Jerry, and Nicole Turner and husband Chaz all of Mt. Vernon; four sons, Reggie Counce of Madison Wisconsin, George Patton and wife Erie, Paul Turner, Terrance Hooper and Fiancé Tonya all of Mt. Vernon; two sisters, Olivia Washington of East Saint Louis and Annie Mae Wilder; also raised, Anthony Patton and wife Diana, Juetion Patton, Bernard Patton, and Tineka Doggan and husband Brian all of Mt. Vernon; two special friends Ruth Nance and Irene; a host of grand and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, two wives, and five children.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 12, 2008 at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (1015 Conger) in Mt. Vernon with Apostle Tim Brinson and Rev. William Ronald Lash officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Mt. Vernon; with Military honors and flag presentation service by the American Legion Post 141 of Mt. Vernon. Visitation will be held on Thursday June 12, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the Church.

For those who wish memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted by Newell Funeral Home. For more information you may call Newell Funeral Home at 246-0100.

Source: Mount Vernon Register News
Date: Jun 2008
Submitted by Kiowana Hayes Ferguson