Wade Turner

Wade Turner, age 85 of Stanton, passed away on February 25, 2022. He will lie-in state from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Monday, February 28, 2022 at Gilbreath Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at First Baptist Church Stanton, with David Harp officiating.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 28, 2022 at Gilbreath Funeral Home.
Wade was born in Fayette, Alabama to parents Marvin Cecil Turner and Willie (McCarver) Turner on March 15, 1936.
He graduated from Winfield High School, Alabama in 1954, served in the Alabama National Guard, 1954-55. He then moved to West Texas to work in the oilfield in 1955, and the United States Marine Corp Reserves, 1959-61.
His brother introduced him to the love of his life, Nelda Carlisle, the summer of 1956. They were married in Andrews, TX, January 11, 1957. He worked as an auto mechanic for Martin Rambler in Andrews for many years. In 1969 was accepted into the Texas Department of Public Safety Academy, graduated in June of 1970. He worked out of the Midland DPS Office for a couple of months before being stationed in Stanton TX, August 1970. The “Exterminator” helped keep Martin County safe until his retirement in September of 1993. He then was commissioned as a Special Texas Ranger. After retirement was elected to serve as a Martin County Commissioner from 1995-2002. Wade served the Stanton community in many different capacities – Lions Club, Martin County Hospital Board, Stanton Housing Authority, Volunteer Fireman (served as Fire Marshall), Free Mason, Deacon of First Baptist Church and served on various church committees. He also owned and operated Turner Small Engines. He loved to fish for catfish and go fishing for more catfish. One of his greatest pleasures was supporting his grandchildren in their numerous activities. He also loved spending time with his great grandchildren. They all loved their Pop dearly.
Wade is survived by his daughter, Terri Anderson and husband David; son, Randy Turner and wife Janna; grandchildren Chase Anderson and wife Hayley; Nathan Anderson, Melody Turner, Taylor Turner, Olivia Turner, Katelyn Inge and Kenslea Inge, granddaughter-in-law, Clarissa Anderson; great grandchildren, Blain and Will Turner, Keely and Brylan Anderson, Jacob and Logan Anderson.  One brother, Hulon Turner and his wife Cheryl and one sister, Brenda Scott and her husband Tencil.
Wade was preceded in death by his wife, Nelda Turner, Parents, Cecil Turner and Willie Turner, brother, Bobby Earl Turner, sister Linda Turner, and grandson, Blake Anderson.
Pallbearers will be Bobby Duvall, Johnny Bekkelund, Erwin Ballarta, Jim Swain, Jim Lasiter and Woody Jackson.
The family suggest memorials to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1168, Stanton TX 79782; Martin County Historical Museum, P.O. Box 929, Stanton TX 79782 or Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association (DPSOA), 5821 Airport Blvd, Austin TX 78752
Arrangements are under the direction of Gilbreath Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com