Charles Linwood Turnage

Charles Linwood Turnage, age 85, of Lake Village, died Wednesday, July 24, 2013, at his home. He was born October 8, 1927, in Crossett, Arkansas to the late Cecil Turnage and Gladys Josie Stone Turnage. He was partially reared and spent most of his childhood with his grandparents, Jackson Van Buren Stone and Anna Elizabeth Riley Stone. He learned to work at an early age. Later he moved to Lake Village and lived behind Bank of Lake Village. He graduated from Lakeside High School and there met his future wife, Marlys Ann Cashion. He was a football player and co-captain of the team that won the 1946 State Championship. After graduating high school, he started to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a lineman and installer and spent over 40 years with the company. He was promoted to the rank of "wire chief" with Southwestern Bell and was known as "The Telephone Man" in his district. He was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. During his lifetime, he was Chamber of Commerce president and was instrumental in helping Lake Village obtain the Information Center. In addition, as Chamber president, he was also part of the group involved in the opening and dedication of the Lake Chicot Pumping Plant. He was also past president of the Lake Village Lions Club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends and was the last living charter member of Island 82 Hunting Club where he was a 50 year plus member. After retiring from the telephone company, he became a well respected real estate agent and appraiser in this area. He was a loving husband and caregiver for his wife, Marlys to whom he was married for over 69 years and was a dedicated husband and Christian. Survivors are his wife, Marlys Cashion Turnage of Lake Village; a son, Charles C. "Clif" Turnage and his fiancé, Lee Ann Black, of Monticello; granddaughter, Sarah Brook Loomis and great-granddaughter, Emily Rose Loomis. A daughter, Carol Turnage Meyer of Eudora; grandchildren, Marlys Meyer Brown (William), Reynold Meyer (Jill), Carol Cashion Meyer Doolittle (Jeffery), Lollie Meyer Hayles (Jason) and great-grandchildren, Web Brown, Benton Brown, Caroline Meyer, Catherine Meyer, Mary Patton Meyer, Prentiss Doolittle, Cashion Riley Doolittle, Reyn Meyer, Pfeifer Doolittle and Reaves Doolittle. One of Charles's favorite sayings was "in order to be happy in life, you must have something to do, something to look forward to and someone to love." Graveside services will be 2: p.m. Saturday, July 27, 2013, at Lake Village Cemetery with Rev. Mike Bell and Bro. Johnny Matthews officiating. Arrangements are by Bishop Funeral Home of Lake Village.