Tom Turner was born in the winter of 1963 in Omaha Nebraska. The son of a proud Marine, John Turner, and loving Mother, Margaret. He was the middle child of 4 and was the families youngest boy. His sister's Cindy and Christine (Wilson) and brother Jim were all very close to Tom and were his best friends throughout his life.

After moving to Pleasant Hill, Iowa in the fall of 1974, the adventures of Tom Turner really started taking shape. This is where Tom discovered the lakes, ponds, train tracks, woods and BMX trails that were his playground. There wasn't a bridge he wouldn't jump off or a train he wouldn’t jump on. He floated the rivers and creeks and would always be the first to throw the snowball at a passing car (occasionally a Cop car by mistake). It rang true when they say it must be illegal to have that much fun. Tom found himself familiar with the Pleasant Hill Police Department, as they often gave him rides back to Mr. Turner's front porch for his mischievous behavior. Tom was just a fun-loving boy living his best life!

Things got a little more serious for Tom at the young age of 17 when he was surprised with, what would end up being his biggest blessing of all time and change the course of his life forever -- his son, Tommy. This came as a shock to everybody in the family and Tom was frozen in fear of what's to come next, but if you have ever had the blessing of meeting Tom Turner you knew his character does not back down, does not run, faces adversity, and creates his own path and that's what he did. Tom packed up his beloved Chevy Nova and headed west to California with his young family loaded up along with any other items he could fit in his car in search of making big things happen. Tom was a visionary and a creator. He had the ability to predict outcomes before they happened. His biggest weapon for his California success was his ability to outwork everyone. His desire to succeed, paired with an unimaginable amount of energy, meant he could beat his competition in the workplace and build a business that would later provide a life of freedom for him.

Tom would go on to spend his adult life just outside of Los Angeles, where he enjoyed the California weather that was conducive to his year-round hobbies. He loved anything with a motor, you name it -- sport bikes, Harleys, hot rods, off-road, drag racing, and everything In between. He spent a lot of time outdoors having fun . . . and if by chance he was caught indoors you better believe it was HAPPY HOUR! "YaaaHoooo" is the word you would hear shouted across the room from Tom if he was not behind the mic doing Karaoke.

Tom had a strong love of family and he spoke about them often. The past 40 years straight, Tom always made a point to visit his hometown and see them all. Of course, it is also the same time of year that the Iowa State Fair is going on. It wouldn't be Tom if he did not get a 2 for 1 package, he always loved a "deal".

In the summer of 2022 at the young age of 57, Tom received the best news of his life followed up with the worst news of his life . . .his beloved son, Tommy who had grown to be his protege and his pride and joy had finally conceived Tom's first and only granddaughter after 9 years of marriage to his beautiful wife Natalie. The excitement roared as the next chapter of his life was to be opened and his new role of being a grandparent was around the corner. That was until 2 weeks later, at his annual Iowa State Fair visit, Tom was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer and one of the most aggressive types they have seen to date. He was determined to WIN with the help of ALL the family and friends in Iowa. He abandoned his belongings and life in California to fight this cancer head on, no holds barred In Iowa where he was best supported. Never have you seen such a gentleman hold composure, character, and charm during such a tremendous challenge. The strength of cancer was able to take his body but the smile on his face remains and his charismatic charm and loving spirit stay in all our hearts forever. After 7 excruciating months of war with cancer the physical battle was lost surrounded by the ones he held so dear, his family. His legacy will forever live as a proud patriot, loving father, loyal friend, caring brother, beloved son, and the man who was able to live a full life in half the years and do it all HIS way.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the Dale Swift Philanthropic Fund in loving memory of Tom Turner 4622 151st Street, Urbandale IA 50323

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