Phillip Turner

Phillip Wayne Turner, Sr., aged 73, of Capitan, NM passed away peacefully in Albuquerque, NM on September 4th, 2024. He is survived by his life partner, Kathy Soliday, his son, Phil Turner Jr., his three daughters, Jannah Sockwell, Candle Martinez, and Catrina Turner, and his 12 beautiful grandchildren.

Phil was born on November 3rd, 1950, in Overton, TX to Fred and Mary Turner. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred Lee Turner Sr. and Mary Marie Turner, and seven siblings, Florabell Marie Turner, Mary “Freda” Turner, William David Turner, Norman Dale Turner, Donna Ruth Turner, N. Darlene Turner, and Fred Lee Turner Jr.

Phil was never happier than when he was on a treasure hunt. In his younger days he would take the family on hikes to find wild raspberries, ancient arrowheads, and any other unique discovery they might find along the way. In his later years, he loved to take Alora, his ‘local’ granddaughter to secondhand stores to find her the finest treasures that laid in wait of their discovery. Phil Jr. loved to take Dad on his boat in Louisiana, Jannah to the baseball field to watch her children play, Candle to her backyard to enjoy the passing buffalo herd, Catrina to her own patio (which Dad had built in his younger days), and we all loved to watch him enjoy cookies – mounds and mounds of cookies.

While a long life has its own trials and tribulations, Phil left this earth with a deep appreciation and love for those close to him. He was a thankful and happy man whose eyes would light up at the sound of our voice and the warmth of our hugs.

The family will host a celebration of his life in the coming year when the wildflowers are in bloom – the time of year he loved the most. Times and details to follow. Friends and family are invited to share memories and condolences in his online tribute at www.trujillofunerals.com.