Joel Arnold

Turner

Joel Arnold Turner, 67, of Blanchard, went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 4, 2024.  The son of George Hayden Turner and Nina Mae (Frost) Turner, Joel was born on April 23, 1956, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Joel grew up in the Lutheran Church.  He attended Camp Lutherhoma every year and as a senior in high school he worked as a camp hand then a camp counselor.  In 1986-87 he served as camp nurse.  He and Sheila are currently members of First Baptist Church in Blanchard.  At First Baptist, Joel served as a Sunday School teacher and a small group leader.  He has been a VBS teacher and went on a mission trip to Alaska.

Joel served in the United States Army as a helicopter mechanic.  He retired from Tinker Air Force Base where he worked as an aircraft mechanic working on KC135s and C130s.  Joel also had his AMP License and his pilot's license that he received from Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa.  He enjoyed flying Cessnas and Pipers.  Joel graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications in 1989.

He met the love of his life, Sheila Ruth Spradlin and they were married on May 27, 2000, in Eureka Springs.  While traveling to Israel, they had a second ceremony at the Sea of Galilee on June 13th.   Joel loved traveling with Sheila and they were proud to have traveled all over Western United Staes except for Hawaii.  They also enjoyed a trip to Gatlinburg in their RV.  Joel also enjoyed woodworking and gardening.

Joel is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Allen Paul Turner; and brother-in-law, Jim Young.

Joel is survived by his loving wife, Sheila Ruth Turner; sisters, Talitha Young, Tina Beck and husband Dan, Raina Droll and husband Jeff and Jill Turner; several nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.

A memorial service for Joel will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at First Baptist Church, Blanchard, Oklahoma. Final resting place will be at Blanchard Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.  Arrangements are under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home.  Online obituary and Guestbook are available at www.eisenhourfh.com.