Derril Wayne Turner July 12, 1948 ~ January 3, 2021 (age 72)

Obituary

Memorial services for Derril Turner, 72, of Portales will be held at 10:00 AM, Sat., Jan. 16, 2021 at the Floyd Baptist Church with Rev. Rick Wilcher officiating.  All of his many friends will serve as honorary pallbearers.  Those desiring to make memorial contributions may send them to either the New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home, P O Box 629, Porrtales, NM 88130 or the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home, 1356 NM 236, Portales, NM 88130.

Derril Wayne Turner was born July 12, 1948 in Portales to the home of Clara Lorene (Poff) and David Middleton Turner and died Jan. 3, 2021 in Savannah, TN.  He was a 1966 graduate of Portales High School.  He remained very closely connected to his classmates and attended every reunion and get-together he possibly could.  Derril was a member of both the Calvary Baptist Church and the Central Christian Church.  For many years he was active in the International Order of Odd Fellows.  Derril served for several years on the Roosevelt County Water Co-op Board.  For 38 years he was employed at the Roosevelt County Electric Co-op where he was a lineman and heavy equipment operator.  After his retirement, Derril established DT Trucking which he operated for several years.

He was an excellent dancer, and attended the weekly Senior Citizens dances almost every week.  He was always ready to do a two step or a waltz.  He loved being outdoors, and enjoyed camping and fishing and farming, as well as doing virtually anything with his grandchildren.  During his lifetime, Derril had made numerous friends and touched countless lives.

He is survived by his children, Michelle and Montie Nickels of Savannah, TN, Billy and Mary Moews of Tulsa, OK, Tommy and Carrie Turner of Broken Arrow, OK and Jenny Gentry of Bristow, OK; eight grandchildren, Hailey, Lynsie, Michael, Danny, Tiffany, Kristene, Cory and Jarod; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, James and Judy Turner and Orvel Turner all of Portales; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a great-grandchild.