Hickory Creek – Roger "Bear" Marion Turnbow, 61 of Hickory Creek passed through on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at Baylor All Saints Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX.
He was born February 11, 1950, in El Reno, Oklahoma to MC and Leah Turnbow.
Affectionately known as Bear, he took great pride in serving his country as a Navy Ordnance Mechanic during the Vietnam War, where he earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal. After his active service he later joined the Naval Reserves to once again become a part of the service he loved.
During the Vietnam War he served on board the USS Hancock Air Craft Carrier where he maintained fighter jets that flew sorties over Vietnam. Stationed out of Miramar, San Diego, CA the Hancock visited many ports of call such as Japan, China, Hawaii, and The Philippines.
Roger later worked at the Naval Space Station located outside Wichita Falls, TX. Before his retirement he worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, where he was given the Director's Award for his contributions in developing information technology. He also worked for the Boeing Company in Corinth, TX.
Roger was a friend to many and a fantastic story teller and singer. He could remember nearly every song he ever heard and render it in a wonderful baritone, but he could also be heard singing the Lord's Praises. Lately, he was Quartermaster at the VFW in Lake Dallas, TX.
Survivors include his wife Theresa Turnbow, his brother Larry J. Turnbow of Ft Worth, TX, his three step sons, Paul E. Pacatte, John Clayton Pacatte and Robert J. Pacatte, his grandchildren Trinity N. Pacatte, John Ryan Pacatte and Liberty R. Pacatte.
The Memorial Service will be 3:00 pm Thursday June 9, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Lake Dallas, TX.
On line condolences may be made at www.mulkeymason.com