Joseph A. Turner, 77, of Longmont, CO, formerly of Jacksonville, died September 25, 2024, at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, IL.

He was born February 27, 1947, in Jacksonville, the son of Joseph A. and Marietta (Hall) Turner. Joe married Carol Evans Harper on April 7, 1991, and she survives.

He is also survived by Carol's daughter, Christy (Roger) Howell and their children, Jacob Allen and Emma Leigh Howell, all of Johnstown, CO; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Rolla Fae Turner.

Joseph grew up in Jacksonville and graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1965. After high school, he entered into the United States Air Force and served in Pakistan for four years. After the Air Force, he attended college in California.

Joseph worked in the Federal Aviation Administration in Longmont, CO, in weather technology. He also worked for the United States Forest Service to help fight wildfires across the country.

Joseph owned farms in Morgan and Sangamon County and was a member of the Sangamon County Farm Bureau. He enjoyed working on the family farms and maintaining the structures on the property. He practiced good soil conservation techniques and constantly researched better practice options using the data from his farms. He also liked forestry work and improving forestry health. When visiting the Jacksonville area, Joseph enjoyed volunteering at the Western Illinois Youth Camp where he would help clear trails and do other tasks.

Mr. Turner's wishes were to be cremated. A private burial will take place at Ebenezer Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations are suggested to the Morgan Country Fair Scholarship Fund or to Western Illinois Youth Camp. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.