Douglas (Doug) Paul Turner, 53, passed away on April 4, 2023 in Tulsa, OK. Doug was born on August 21, 1969 in Tulsa, OK to Chester and Dorothy Turner. He attended East Central High School and went on to graduate from The University of Tulsa with a Broadcasting and Journalism degree. Doug was an avid runner and cyclist and was active within the running community, serving on the Route 66 Marathon Board of Directors for 12 years. Doug was welcomed to heaven by his parents, Chester and Dorothy Turner; brother, Larry Turner; sister, Lori Noble (Turner); nephew, Christopher Crouch; and best friend, TW Drullinger. Doug and TW are probably playing catch in heaven as we speak.
Anyone who had the privilege of meeting Doug knows how closely he held his friends and relationships. Whether someone had the privilege of knowing Doug for decades or days, they knew without question that he could be counted on in any situation. He was the best friend you never knew you needed but couldn't imagine living without once he was part of your life. When Doug spoke to you, it was like you were the only two people in the world. He made people feel special no matter who they were.
While the saying "You can do hard things" is common, Doug didn't just do hard things when he had to; he leaned into them with full force, putting his heart and soul into everything he did and never letting up until he accomplished his goal. This was true for obstacles in Doug's own life and obstacles in the lives of the people he held close. Those who love Doug (which is to say, everyone who met him) would tell you that he was the "fixer" for everyone. He listened actively and offered sound advice when needed or a comforting hug. Doug would tell you that he loved "bigly" and everyone felt that love, including his family, friends, employees, and the City of Tulsa.
Doug had an illustrious career, dedicating a decade of service to Williams & Williams and most recently serving as CFO and Partner at the Mainer Auto Group. He embodied all of the characteristics of a servant leader who cared deeply for and invested in his employees. Doug was dedicated to helping everyone be the best they could be and reach their full potential, serving as an active mentor to his employees. For Doug, nothing was more important than helping someone reach their goals, even if those goals took them to new places or companies. He was as unselfish as they come both personally and professionally, always operating with integrity and caring in both business and life.
As accomplished as Doug is, there is nothing he was more proud of than his children, Lauren, Kirsten, and Evan. His kids were the center of his universe and the light of his life; nothing made him happier than watching them grow into the kind, intelligent, accomplished people they are today. Doug leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Kids of all ages felt like Doug was their uncle, too, thanks to the love and joy he spread to the community.
Doug's happy place was the beach, where he could feel the sand between his toes and the waves lapping at his ankles. Always active, Doug spent his time hiking, cycling, running, and serving his family, friends, and community. While it's common to say "rest in peace" when someone passes away, his family and friends know that Doug is probably not doing too much resting. So, Doug, run in peace. Laugh in peace, lead in peace, and love in peace. Tulsa, your family, and your friends will never be the same without you.
Doug is survived by his children, Lauren, Kirsten, and Evan Turner; brother, Mike Turner and his wife Denise; sister, Sherrie Wright and her husband Gary; sister, Elizabeth Stillion; former spouse, Melissa Turner; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tommy Drullinger Foundation at TDubFoundation.com
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