Obituary - Donald Nickson “Bill” Turnbull

Donald Nickson “Bill” Turnbull, 82, Nevada MO, passed away on January 4, 2019 in Joplin MO. He was born April 15, 1936 in Chillicothe, MO to Allyn and Dilola (Jones) Turnbull. After his mother was driven to the hospital by his sister Betty, who was 14 at the time, Bill was welcomed into this world. Dilola asked her husband Allyn what he’d like to name this boy, and his reply was “Oh,….Bill I guess”. His response was not taken seriously, and he was named Donald Nickson by his mother. This did not sit well with Allyn, as the true reason for him wanting the name “Bill” was after his favorite uncle, so from that day forward, to honor his father’s initial wishes, he was known to everyone as “Bill” all of his life.

Bill attended school and graduated in Kirksville MO, before enlisting and serving in the United States Army. Bill worked as a laborer all of his life. He was a truck driver for many years and worked at Metz and Deerfield grain elevators. He retired from Thorco Manufacturing in Lamar, MO. Bill’s interests included geography and meteorology. He could state the elevation of any major city or landmark in the United States, and always knew what was going on with weather, no matter the location.

Survivors include 2 sisters, Betty Helms and LaVon Posey, both of Nevada, MO; numerous nieces and nephews who he always made address him as “Uncle Bill”; and a host of friends.

He has been welcomed into heaven by his parents and siblings Mary Jean, Suzann, Pat, David, Judy, Marjorie, and Barbara Jo.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 7, 2019 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.