John Lewis Turner, age 70, of Sebastian’s Branch, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, November 27, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. He was born on June 1, 1955 in Jackson Ky.
John L. proudly served Breathitt County as Sheriff from 1998–2006. Over the years he also worked as a bus driver and janitor for the Breathitt County School System and was a dedicated member of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Board. A true farmer at heart, he took great pride in the land he worked and the life he built. He loved nothing more than gathering with his buddies in the meat house, swapping stories, laughing, and turning out the best homemade sausage in Eastern Kentucky
John took pride in finding deals and treasures. He was well-known for spinning fish tales that grew a little longer with every telling. But above all his hobbies and titles, his greatest joy was his family. He was a loving father, brother, and a proud Papaw — his favorite title of all. John had a heart of pure gold.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Turner and Reba Bryant Turner; maternal grandparents, Ida and Robert Bryant; paternal grandparents, Polly and Greenbury Turner; brother, Donald Ray Turner; sister-in-law, Eunice Turner; and nephew, Ethan Turner.
He is survived by his three sons:
Willie Roy (Jonia) Turner, of Sebastian’s Branch, KY;
Dustin Wayne (Angela) Turner, of Carrollton, KY;
Tristian Robert Turner, of Jackson, KY.
He leaves behind four grandchildren who he loved wholeheartedly:
Shelby Marie Turner, Jordan Paige Turner, Sammie Clifton John Deaton, and Levi Preston Deaton.
John is also survived by his brothers: Robert (Lottie) Turner, Oscar Turner, and Lonnie Turner, all of Sebastian’s Branch, KY, his sisters and porch buddies Verlie Turner and Mable Turner who spoiled him rotten ; and Connie (Ron) Mink, of Richmond, Ky, Sister-in-law: Phyllis Turner, of Dayton, Ohio.
Special nephew: Bobby Turner
Special niece: Trish Miller
And a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends who will miss him deeply.
Visitation for John will be held Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at The Breathitt Funeral Home and his Funeral Service will be conducted Sunday, November 30, 2025 beginning at 1:00 PM with Chris Turner officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Willie Turner Family Cemetery at Sebastians Branch following the service with Willie Turner, Dustin Turner, Tristian “Robbie” Turner, Bobby Turner, Sammie Deaton, and Brad Herald serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include Dave Bryant, Oscar Turner, Morris Fork Lonnie Turner, Willie Bush, Robert Turner, Darrell Barrett, Brian Haddix, Daniel "Chey" Turner.
John L. will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
