Jess Lee Turner, age 85, passed away on January 9, 2025, in Spring, Texas. He was born on September 8, 1939, in Wewoka, Oklahoma, to Jess and Cleo (Bowline) Turner.

Jess graduated from high school in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. As a young man, he worked in the grocery business in Okmulgee and Muskogee, Oklahoma, before relocating to southern California, where he joined Lucky Stores. In the 1970s, Jess transferred with Lucky Stores to Houston, Texas, as a manager.

Later, in the late 1980s, Jess embarked on a new career as a bread delivery driver for Mrs. Baird's, his favorite job for 14 years until his retirement. Known for his dedication and work ethic, Jess earned multiple awards as a top salesman. In his retirement years, he worked as a "mall cop" at Willowbrook Mall in Houston, where he once saved the life of a choking victim.

Jess was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching baseball, football and basketball. A former basketball player himself, he especially loved cheering for the Golden State Warriors and also liked the Houston Astros and the Texans.

Jess also had an appreciation for music, particularly country-western and gospel. He was a devoted fan of Elvis Presley. Jess and Marilyn enjoyed trips to Branson, Missouri, to attend live shows as well as visits with her cousins, Jane and Jack Morgan, of Garfield, Arkansas.

While living in Houston, Jess was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Wilcrest Baptist Church and later Tallowwood Baptist Church, where he belonged to the Praisers Sunday School department.

Jess is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Marilyn (Schmidt) Turner of Cypress, Texas; his youngest brother, Bobby Turner of Tracy City, Tennessee; children Scott (Lorie) Turner of Altus, Oklahoma; Tina Rhine of Clovis, California; and Steve (Jackie) Turner of Carmichael, California; stepchildren Kent Goodreau of Galt, California; Dr. Janet Goebel (Ronald Ali) of Indiana, Pennsylvania; and Marta Jorgensen of Cotati, California; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He will be missed by his Yorkie companion, Scarlett O'Hairy.

Jess was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Don and Jerry Turner; late wife Virginia Turner; son-in-law Ken Rhine; and grandson Bryan Siebe.

A memorial service to celebrate Jess's life will be held on Saturday, Feb 15, at 1:00 pm at the chapel of Tallowood Baptist Church, 555 Tallowood Rd, Houston, TX 77024. Arrangements are under the care of Klein Family Funeral Home of Cypress, Texas. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to his widow, Marilyn Turner, 18038 Cypress Valley Ln, Cypress, TX 77429; or to Heart to Heart Hospice, 2930 Cypress  Grove Dr, Houston, TX 77014 in Jess's name.