Melvin N. Turner, 1st Sgt. US Army, Ret., of Jasper, Tennessee died at his home on Monday, May 6, 2019 at the age of 103.

Born on March 28, 1916 to the late J. W. & Mamie Kate Turner, he was a lifelong resident of Jasper, Tennessee. In the 1932, he joined the Army's "Fighting Sixth" Cavalry "horse-mechanized regiment", stationed at The Post at Fort Oglethorpe. He was called back to active duty during World War II, and after returning home joined the Army Reserves and later the National Guard. He retired in 1972 as First Sergeant, having dedicated 25 years to military service.

He retired after many years of full-time employment with Crane Company in Chattanooga, Tennessee and went on to work for over 20 years with Rogers Funeral Home in South Pittsburg and Jasper.

Melvin was a true servant leader, having served in many capacities throughout his beloved community. He served his community for as long as he was able, including, at age 101, collecting litter from the streets of Jasper during his daily walks.

He was a longtime deacon and member of Jasper First Baptist Church, served as an Alderman for the Town of Jasper for over 29 years, a life member of the Jasper VFW Memorial Post #6362, and was a member of American Legion Post #62. He was also a 50+ year member and Past Master of Olive Branch Masonic Lodge #297 F&AM, a member of the Chattanooga Scottish Rite Bodies KCCH and 33rd Degree, a member of the Alhambra Shrine Temple, and the Sequatchie Valley Shrine Club. He served his Lodge as Treasurer for over 25 years and his activities with the Shrine Club and VFW often included cooking for various events.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of over 71 years, Charlsie Grider Turner; daughter, Gwendolyn Turner Brooks; step-mother, Paralee Graham Turner; and brother, John William Turner, Jr.

Survivors include his daughter, Romona Turner of Jasper, Tennessee; son, Melvin N. (Becky) Turner, Jr. of Bryant, Alabama; sister, Doris Turner Brown of Jasper; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; one niece, one nephew, and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be conducted from the Jasper First Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. Central time on Saturday, May 11, 2019 with Rev. Buddy Strickland, officiating. Interment will be in Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens with full military honors provided by the Sequatchie Valley Honor Guard and the Jasper VFW.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, May 10th from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Rogers Funeral Home in Jasper with a masonic service at 8:00 p.m. Central time. The family will also receive friends at the church on Saturday, May 11th from 11:00 a.m. until service time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children (Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 or online at www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/donate), the Marion County Food Bank (P.O. Box 681, Sequatchie, TN 37374 or online at www.mccmfbgn.org), the Hospice of Chattanooga Foundation, (4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416 or online at www.hospiceofchattanooga.org), the Jasper VFW Memorial Post #6362 (PO Box 294, Jasper, TN 37347), or the Jasper Public Library (14 West 2nd Street, Jasper, TN 37347).

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.rogersfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by Rogers Funeral Home, 21 East 5th Street, Jasper, Tennessee (423-942-2682).