Obituary for Jay Austin Turner

Jay Austin Turner, 94, passed away Feb 21, 2025, Orem, UT.

Jay was preceded in death by his wife, Melba Rose Richman Turner, by 11 months. Jay was anxious to be reunited with her.

Jay was also preceded in death by:

His parents, Vivian Jay Turner and Erma L Walker

His sisters, Cleo (Robert) Broome and Elaine (Voy) Julius

And 2 granddaughters, Kirstin & Shirstin Turner.

Jay and Melba have 3 sons

Kenneth Turner

Ronald (Karen) Turner

James (Lisa) Turner

Jay and Melba have 11 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren (soon to be 31).

Jay was born and raised in Vernal, UT. Jay grew up surrounded with lots of cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

Jay enlisted in the Navy and served in the Korean Conflict aboard the SS O'Brien as The Chief Gunner's Mate.

Jay met Melba Richman just before he entered the Navy. Jay & Melba were married on New Year's Eve, 1951, in Reno, Nevada. Jay was still serving in the Navy at this time. They made their first home in Long Beach, California.

Two years after their marriage their first son, Kenneth Jay Turner was born. When Jay finished his service in the Navy, they moved to Salt Lake City, Utah and then to Kearns, Utah. Here their son, Ronald E Turner was born. The following year, 1958, they moved to their new home in Orem, Utah. Jay started his own Heating and Air Conditioning Company the following year, in 1959. In 1963 Jay and Melba were sealed in the Manti Temple. Their 3rd son, James Lee Turner was born in 1964.

Jay served faithfully in Bishoprics, as Stake Clerk, and many ward callings, including Scoutmaster. Jay and Melba served as guides at the Provo Tabernacle and then as service missionaries at the church conference center for 6 years.

Jay and Melba loved camping. They enjoyed ward campouts and family camp trips. The grandchildren often joined them for a special time together.

Jay was so handy at building and repairing things. He is well known for his garden and fruit trees. The grandchildren and great grandchildren remember him best for the dried apples he made and freely gave away.

Jay was patient and kind with everyone. He was a quiet, spiritual giant that will be greatly missed. He has now been reunited with his wife, parents, and family, as well as many wonderful friends. How blessed we are to know that we can all be together again because of our Savior and the Atonement that makes it all possible.

Funeral Services will be held for Jay Austin Turner, March 1, 2025, 11:00 am at the 400 North 400 East church building. A viewing will be held 9:30-10:30 am that morning. Internment will be at the Orem City Cemetery following the funeral.