Gerald Turnpaugh

Gerald Lawrence Turnpaugh, age 84, of Reese, formerly of Caro, passed away on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at Covenant Health Care - Cooper in Saginaw. He was born on August 9, 1925 in Pekin, Illinois to the late Miles and Bertha (Hillis) Turnpaugh. He moved with his family to Michigan as a child. Jerry went to work for Buick in Flint at age 18 and joined the U.S. Navy where he served during WWII. He returned to Buick after his discharge and married the former Dorothy VanderMail in November of 1946 in Bay City. She preceded him in death in 1981. He and Dorothy had moved to their home outside Caro in the late 1970s. Jerry married the former Lois (Barrie) Chambers on August 27, 1988 in Couer D Alene, Idaho. She preceded him in death on February 24, 2003. He was a woodworker of fine quality furniture and enjoyed sailing. Jerry was a Mason and belonged to the Welfare Lodge #517, F&AM in Mt. Morris. He is survived by two children, Larry (Anne) Turnpaugh of Indian River and Linda Turnpaugh and husband, Mark, of Sierra Vista, Arizona; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; his extended family, Cindy (Larry) Tewksbury of Caro, Janice (Dave) Malenfant of Bay City, and Curtis Chambers of Caro; a special friend, Susan Smith, and her family; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wives, he was preceded by two brothers, Mike and Bob Turnpaugh. The funeral service will be held at the Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Friday, June 11, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. with Mr. Dan Smith officiating. Burial will be at Indianfields Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Collon Funeral Home on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to charity of the donors choice.