Heath Turner

Heaven is and Earth was a better place with Heath Carson Turner in it.  Heath Carson Turner was born on June 29, 1978 in Houston, Texas at Heights Hospital and went to his Forever Home on December 18, 2019.

He lived his life with an attitude of JOY – Jesus Others Yourself   He had a zest for life and loved, loved, loved his families – yes, families – 1st his Immediate Family of Baacks and Meischens – and then his Church Family from St Matthews UMC – and his Army Family and certainly not last or least – his Kroger Family and even his MD Anderson Families from Dr. Wongs office to all the ER staff he became so well acquainted with and his Woodlands and Katy treatment centers for chemo and blood transfusions.  He just loved people from all walks of life.  And that bigger than life infectious smile and caring hellos and interest of people was undeniably a gift from God!  In knowing Heath – undoubtedly each and every one of you will have their personal “Heath Experience” as there is not enough room to even begin sharing stories here  Yes, Alfred, I’m sure I will never know ALL that happened on the cruise for his 40th Birthday in 2018!

Heath was a 1997 Graduate of Waltrip High School where he was mentored and guided by Coach Tony Zuccarini, and Major Savage and Sgt Leal who led him into his Military Career following his JROTC training.  Heath entered the US Army at age 18 following graduation and served 14 years primarily at Ft. Polk, Louisiana ending with the 10th Mountain Division – Echo 94BSB. While in the service he served in Bosnia, 1 yr duty in Korea, and multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.  

Upon separation from the Military he continued to serve his fellow soldiers by becoming a Food Service Manager with Cantu Food Services.  He then returned to Houston where he became employed with the Kroger Company becoming Assistant Deli Manager.  However his very 1st job remained his most favorite job of all times – the summer he worked at ASTROWORLD!  Thanks Yvonne for all the late trips with me to pick him up!

He is preceded in death by his beloved Grandparents, Alfred and Gladys Baack, and by his Father, John Turner.  He is survived by his Mother, Beatrice Turner; Uncle Rickey and Aunt Vickie Baack; Cousins:  Brandon Baack and Amber Cortez – children Colton, Bopper (Dylan), Grayson Baack (and step children Nicholas and Dylan Cortez); Amber Baack and Clint Bass – child Hallie Baack; Justin Baack and Melissa Hodges.  God Parents – Randy and Deborah Albert, And the close cousin family with whom he grew up – Julie Srubar and Family, Peggy Wierzbiki and Family, Lois and LG Albright, Allison Gorrebeeck and family, Ashley Giles and Family.  AND a very special person – his “Auntie” Rose Graham, and extended family.   Thanks to each and every one of you for loving my son! 

Thank You, God, for loaning him to me for 41 years, 5 months, and 2 weeks!  What a GIFT!  We laughed – we cried – we enjoyed life every day for the Miracles we saw, the Miracles we didn’t see, and the Miracles we took for granted.  And Thank You Lord for Receiving and Welcoming Heath into Heaven and for his new body – free from cancer, pain, and suffering.

In lieu of flowers – donations may be made to Heath’s beloved church: St. Matthews United Methodist  Church – 4300 N. Shepherd Dr. Houston, Tx 77018 or MD Anderson Cancer Hospital.
 

Services will be held at St. Matthew's UMC on Saturday December 21, 2019 with visitation beginning at 11AM and the funeral at 12PM.

Heath will be laid to rest at Houston National Cemetery on Tuesday December 24, 2019 at 10:15AM with Army Honors.