Lionel Gray Turner, Jr.

Jan 5, 2016 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2016 | 3 comments

Lionel Gray Turner Jr., known as Gray to his family and friends, was born August 13, 1945 at Menorah Hospital in Kansas City, MO and passed away January 3, 2016 at his home in Prairie Village, KS.

Gray was born the eldest son of Helen Gene Turner and the late Lionel Gray Turner, Sr. and spent the majority of his childhood in Liberty, MO. Gray enjoyed riding horses, fishing, and playing football as a young boy. After graduating from Liberty High School, Gray attended Central Methodist University in Fayette, MO where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Drama. He started his successful career in commercial real estate with the Leo Eisenberg Company and went on to start his own commercial development company, Terra Venture, which he continued to own and operate with his son, Matt Turner, up until his death.

An accomplished cook, Gray loved to share his talents with family and friends. His love of entertaining as well as his culinary masterpieces, and even the kitchen chaos, will be so greatly missed. He will be remembered for his endless generosity and incredible love for life that showed in his courageous fight against lymphoma.

Gray was a compass to his family and friends. He bridged all barriers and made everyone, young and old, feel welcomed and embraced. He was a family man first and foremost and was happiest when spending time with Beth, his family and close friends. All who knew Gray loved his gentle spirit, sound advice, remarkable patience, keen observations, and infectious smile. Gray will be profoundly missed.

He is survived by his son and daughter in law, Matt and Megan Turner of Leawood, his daughter, Kate Turner of Overland Park, his daughter and son in law Samantha and Bo Bigham of Bentonville, AR, his brother, Chris Turner, his sister and brother in law, Jean and Bill Basore, his mother Helen Turner, and his love and partner, Beth Rush, as well as her son and daughter in law Drew and Molly Rush, their two children, and her daughter Kathryn Rush. Additionally he is survived by his loving nieces and nephews, John and Sarah Turner, Steven Turner, Ali and Ben Panos, Tommy Basore, and Tori Basore.

Gray’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to his physician, Dr. Suman Kambhampati, without whom we could not have waged this courageous fight, as well as his nurses, Abbey, Becca, Ola, Jessie, Wendy, and Cathy.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 9th at 4:30pm at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 6630 Nall Ave Mission, KS 66202. A reception to celebrate Gray’s life will be held immediately following the service at the home of Janice Cline, 13209 Howe Drive, Leawood, KS. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gray’s honor to Youth Ambassadors at www.youthambassadorskc.com or mailed to 7309 High Drive, Prairie Village, KS 66208.

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Dan Eyler

7 years ago

I’m glad I knew Gray. I’m especially grateful for the joy and companionship he provided my sister Beth Rush. I’m so sorry for Gray’s family. Gray will be waiting for you in heaven and for him it’s a blink of the eye. For you it’s the rest of your lives. I am certain Gray expects you to live it to the fullest. Peace be with you.

June Bigham

7 years ago

We are so very sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our prayers that God will comfort and ease your pain and bless you with the strength you need. The Bigham family

Pam Patton

7 years ago

I am so saddened to hear about Gray. He was the most honest, caring, genuine, fun, person I knew. He was a friend to many including my uncle, Richard Moore who said Gray’s courage in fighting his disease gave Richard courage to fight his as well. Richard passed in February of 2014. I hope Gray’s family can eventually find peace and always have fine memories of this magnificent man. God bless.

Kind Words

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MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

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