Jack Turpin

Jack W. Turpin, age 89, of Evansville, was called home by his Heavenly Father on December 25, 2012, Christmas Day. He passed from this life to eternal life peacefully at Good Samaritan Home and has joined the love of his life, his wife of 68 years, Anna Lavida, in their heavenly home. Jack was born to the late William and Lula Turpin on January 21, 1923, the youngest of 9 children. He lived in Evansville all of his life. He attended Central High School and completed his education, in his words, in the “school of hard knocks”. He worked for the Evansville Shipyards during WWII. He was a mechanic by trade in his early life and worked for A & H Truck Lines for 25 years, working his way up to Fleet Maintenance Superintendent. After early retirement, he went into business for himself as owner and operator of Commercial Motor Service. He then owned and operated The Speedy Oiler, the first quick oil change in Evansville, which he managed until his retirement. He was a hard worker all of his life and a self-made man in every sense of the word. He was a devoted family man who always loved and cared for his family. He was a devout Christian and a 40 year member of First Avenue Presbyterian Church, where he served in many capacities as an officer and an Elder. He was a gifted singer and sang in the church choir and was a soloist for many years. He also spent several years as a volunteer with Gideon International, distributing Bibles in the tri-state area. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Anna (Shroat) Turpin in 2008; brothers, William, Oscar, Johnnie, Herschel, Griffin and James and sisters, Mary and Helen. Surviving Jack are three sons, Jack T. (Barbara) Turpin, Charles T. “Tim” (Gail) Turpin and William S. “Steve” (Darlene) Turpin, all of Evansville; a daughter, Barbara J. Goddard of Maryville, TN. He is also survived by grandchildren, Tom (Darla) Turpin, Jennifer (fiancé’, Jon Luttrell) Stevens, Jeff (Debbie) Turpin, Todd (Ashley) Turpin, all of Evansville, Jason (Elizabeth) Semple of Greenville, NC, Stephanie (Ray) Todich of Ft. Wayne, IN, Christopher (Krystal) Turpin, of Evansville and John Shaver of Newburgh and great grandchildren, Drew Turpin, Anna Turpin, Mallory Turpin, Cassidy Turpin, Tanner Turpin, Lauren Stevens, Danen Turpin, Cameron Turpin, Jackson Semple, Merrick Todich, Keston Todich, Jacob Shaver, Wesley Shaver, Reagan Shaver, Emma Turpin and Jay Turpin; one great great grandchild, Tripp Turpin and several nieces and nephews. Services celebrating Jack’s life will begin at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at Pierre Funeral Home, Dr. Ray Parker officiating. Burial will follow in Tupman Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Friday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street. Jack’s family would like to thank the staff of the Good Samaritan Home for their loving care and compassion during his stay there. Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Home or to the Evansville Rescue Mission.

Jack Turpin

January 21, 1923 - December 25, 2012