It is with deep sorrow that Carleen and Kay announce the death of Paul Edward Turner, age 82, of Wheatland, Indiana on October 17th, 2026. Paul was a storyteller at heart, and his passing leaves behind a profound sense of loss, but also a lifetime of memories, stories, and moments that will forever be treasured by those who knew and loved him.

Paul was born on June 4th, 1944 to Winfield Scott and Lena (Spoonmore) Turner in Vincennes, Indiana. Paul was a 1962 graduate of Vincennes Lincoln High School and later took classes at Vincennes University. He joined the U.S. Army and after some weeks he was told he did not need to stay because he was so near-sighted that he would become blind too easily, so they would prefer for him to just go home! Despite this setback, he remained proud that he had volunteered even as Vietnam loomed.

Paul joined the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 561 in 1974 and remained a member until his death. He particularly enjoyed the work outside and always had a story to tell about his fellow Laborers and the idiotic things done on job sites by all the “other” trades. Paul’s union work was often sporadic, so he spent much of his free time helping out other family members and neighbors, which over time, at least partially contributed to the collection of items in the Turner garage and yard.

Paul was an excellent chess and billiards player “back in the day,” and his family likes to imagine him now at the big pool hall in the sky, cue in hand and ready to win a few dollars from his opponents. In his younger years, Paul was also an avid fisherman, but after Carleen came along, his hobbies shifted closer to home, where he could often be found tending to the garden or sorting through items collected in the garage. Paul also enjoyed reading, with a particular interest in learning about the world around him. For many years, Paul was a HAM radio operator, enjoying the connections and conversations that reached far beyond his own backyard. A natural storyteller, Paul always had a tale to share and could often be found laughing at his own jokes before anyone else could hear the punchline.

Paul is survived by his beloved daughter Carleen Agnes Turner (Brett Ivers) and his wife Katherine Mary (Keller) Turner, whom he married November 28th, 1974 at the Old Cathedral in Vincennes. As it happened, their wedding date fell on Thanksgiving that year, much to the chagrin of some attendees (though Paul and Kay were oblivious to any such complaints!)

Also surviving are his brothers James Winfield of Indianapolis, Indiana; Merle Lee (Dartha) of Chipley, Florida; and Robert Riley (Janis) of Vincennes, Indiana, along with a myriad of nieces and nephews.

Those who preceded Paul in death include his parents and grandparents, as well as 5 siblings: Mary Elizabeth, Edith Evelyn (whose husband Bill Ruble, also deceased, was a great friend to Paul), Norma Ilene, Cletus Eugene, and Norman Ray. Also preceding Paul in death were a couple of cats who loved him and several good dogs, the last two of whom, Della and Sparky, Wheatland residents may remember as having taken Paul for daily walks around town.

A celebration of life for Paul will take place on October 28th, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home at 524 Broadway Street in Vincennes, Indiana. Paul was cremated, and the gathering will offer family and friends an opportunity to remember and celebrate his life, with many photographs on display to look through and enjoy.

Beginning at 5:00 p.m., friends and family are invited to stay and share a few words, tell a brief story, or recall a favorite memory of Paul, in much the same way he so often enjoyed sharing stories about others. All who knew and loved Paul are welcome to join in remembering the life he lived and the stories he leaves behind.

While Paul enjoyed plants and flowers and would have appreciated their beauty as a tribute to his memory, those wishing to honor him in another way may consider making donations to organizations that he and Kay preferred to support, including:

Friends of the Knox County Public Library — 502 N. 7th Street, Vincennes, IN 47591Exotic Feline Rescue Center — 2221 E. Ashboro Road, Center Point, IN 47840Steen Township Volunteer Fire Department — 210 S. Niblack Street, Wheatland, IN 47597

Online condolences and fond memories may be left at: https://www.goodwinsieversfh.com/

May Paul's stories and laughter live on in all who loved him.