Thomas Turner

(From Parker Mortuary)

Thomas Phares Turner, age 57, Joplin, passed away on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at his home surrounded by family after a seven-year battle with cancer.

Thomas was born January 13, 1964, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, son of the late Thomas Lee Turner and Geraldine Parris Turner. He grew up in Muskogee and graduated from Muskogee High School, and worked for years with Jaspers, then moved to St. Louis, Oklahoma City, and then settled in Joplin in 1999. 

He was always a chef and worked for several locations in Joplin including Johnny Carino’s, Country Kitchen, Cheddars, Red Onion, and Longhorn Steak House. He enjoyed cooking for friends and family and was a big hit at the family reunions cooking and grilling for everyone. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers Fan. He grew up attending Mount Calvary Church in Muskogee.

Survivors include his wife, Candi Chester; children, Tyrin Turner, Kiara Turner both of Joplin, and Jonathan Turner of Hazelwood, Missouri; brother, Gerald Parris of Tulsa; sisters, Toni Chaplin of Tulsa, Yolanda Turner of St. Paul, Minnesota, Karen Marshall of Oklahoma City, and Jocelyn Robinson of Muskogee; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in Parker Mortuary Chapel with Thomas’ uncle, Pastor Robert Turner officiating. 

Interment will follow in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with Tyrin Turner, Jonathan Turner, Gary Hall, Terry Marshall, Mike McGill, Roderick Turner, and Jeremy Turner serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.