Corporal Thomas Strickland Turner, Sr., 88, of Devon, passed away August 15, 2013 at home. He was the husband of Angeline Cropper Turner with whom he shared over 50 years of marriage.

He was born in Havertown, Pennsylvania, to the late Edward Daniel Turner and Maude Butler Turner and the widower of the late Evelyn D. Wright. In 1943, he enlisted in the US Marines, serving with the elite, all black, Montford Point Marines until he was honorably discharged in 1946.

As a veteran, Corporal Turner was able to further his education by enrolling in the Temple University Technical Division where he took courses in contracting and estimating.  He established himself as a reputable con tr actor on the Mainline.

For the past 30 years, Mr. Turner has been an active member of the Fir st Baptist Church of Wayne, Pennsylvania.

He was recently preceded in death by two sisters, Jean Lewis and Phyllis Winters.

In addition to his wife, Angeline, he is survived by nine children: Diane (Pedro) Matos, Carole Burnette, Thomas Turner Jr., Tammy (Mario) Ford, Timothy (Garnet) Turner, Theodore Turner, Deborah (Tony) Knight, Susan Turner and Sandy Turner; three sisters, Constance Jackson, Barbara Rheubottom, Hilda M. Wright; many grandchildren, great-grands and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services will be held 11 am, Saturday, August 24 at the Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, Devon, with a family visitation beginning at 8 am. Burial with military honors will be in Washington Crossing National Cemetery on Monday, August 26, 2013.

CONDOLENCE MESSAGES

"My deepest sorrows to your family as I know that it is hard to lose your hero.
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Corporal Thomas he is nothing short of a hero to me. As an African America male who plays lacrosse which is a predominantly white sport I am able to break barriers because he did first. I deeply appreciate that"
Jalal Hodges Jr at Immaculata University

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Corporal Turner,
Thank you very much for your services to the United States.  Even though I did not know you personally, I am still very appreciative for your time spent serving this country.  Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Tyler Budgick, Immaculata University

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Thank you Corporal Turner for everything you did for our country. The world needs more men like you!
Laura D'Antonio

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Thank you Corporal Turner and your family for the service to our country. We had the honor to learn about you from our Professor John Church at Immaculata University.

Shannon Tucker

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"My name is Molly Truitt. I'm from Immaculata University and I read an article about Corporal Turner, Sr., died just not too long ago. I would like to take this time to thank Corporal Thomas Strickland Turner, Sr.

For his service during the World War II even though I had never had the opportunity to meet him."
Sincerely,
Molly Truitt

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Dear Turner Family:
I am saddened to hear of Tom's passing and I am sending you my sincerest sympathy.
We've been friends for a long time and our children have been, also.

I am glad they got to know and respect "Mr. Turner."

Keeping Angie, all the sons and daughters in our thoughts and prayers.
Our Love in Christ,
John, Doris Wallace and Family