L. J. Turner

East Palestine - April 30, 2005 - L. J. Turner, 100, of 432 Western Avenue passed away peacefully at 10:50 a.m. Saturday at his home with his family at his side.

Attorney Turner was born December 6, 1904 in Lisbon, a son of Henry and Margaret Burnip Turner. He was a 1923 graduate of Lisbon High School and graduated in 1928 from Ohio Northern University with a Juris Doctorate degree.

As one of the oldest practicing attorneys in Ohio, he began his law career in Newton Falls and later relocated to East Palestine, establishing himself in the insurance business. During the Depression years, he practiced law, preparing income tax returns for 75 cents.

Focusing on corporate law and business, L. J. became plant manager of the Electrical Refractories Company in East Palestine. He held that position from 1936 through 1972. He served as city solicitor in 1943 and 1944.

He was a member of the Centenary United Methodist Church and was the oldest member of the East Palestine Kiwanis Club. He was a founder and the oldest member of the Tri-State Explorers Club and was a member of the Columbiana County Historical Society, the Masonic Lodge in Ada, Ohio and the Al Koran Shrine. He was also a member of the East Palestine Sportsman's Club, the East Palestine Moose Lodge, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Salem Elks Lodge.

An outdoorsman with an interest in rocks and gems, L. J. enjoyed hunting, fishing and cave exploration. He organized float trips from Williamsport to Sprucevale on Beaver Creek for many years. He advised Bill Vodrey to purchase much of the land in the Beaver Creek area and was instrumental in arranging the inclusion of Gaston's Mill to the state park.

He was preceded in death in 1963 by his first wife, the former Margaret E. Owen, whom he married in 1938 and his second wife, the former Ruth Mae Blower, whom he married June 26, 1965. She died December 21, 2003.

He is survived by a son, John F. (Carol) Turner of East Palestine; a daughter, Mrs. George (Eileen) Petrilla of Avon Lake, OH; five grandchildren, Mrs. Jim (Laura Sue Turner) Garvin, John F. Turner II, Mrs. Steve (Carol Michele Turner) Telischak, Mrs. Kevin (Kimberly Petrilla) Novotny, and Jennifer Petrilla; and seven great grandchildren.

Three brothers, Clarence Turner, Milton Turner, and Eugene Turner are also deceased.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Van Dyke-Swaney Funeral Home with the Reverend Ronald C. Spore officiating. Burial will follow in Glenview Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday. East Palestine Lodge will conduct Masonic Services at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Material tributes may take the form of a donation to either the East Palestine EMT's or the East Palestine Meals on Wheels.