Billy Dean Turner, a longtime resident of Rieth, Oregon, passed away at home Monday, March 4th, 2013, surrounded by family. He was 75 years old.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Sunday, March 10th, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. in the Burns Mortuary of Pendleton chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday morning, March 11th, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Mission, Oregon, followed by burial at Olney Cemetery in Pendleton. A luncheon will follow at the Pendleton Eagles Lodge. Sign the online condolence book at www.burnsmortuary.com. Burns Mortuary of Pendleton is handling arrangements.

Billy Dean Turner was born October 27, 1937, in Borger, Texas, to Leslie and Mamie Turner. He was the youngest of eight children. He moved with his family from Texas to Redmond, Oregon, and later settled in Rieth. He attended school in Rieth until 8th grade, and then attended Pendleton High School. After high school his career was focused in the timber industry, working in sawmills and owning and operating Bill Turner Trucking. He retired in 2000.

He had numerous interests which included: watching high school athletics, he was an avid Oregon State Beavers fan, and he loved spending time with his family but his true passion in life was racing and anything that had to do with it. Bill had a racing career in the local Hardtop Association in the late 50s and early 60s. He was an active member and past president of the Rieth Water District, where he played an intricate role in getting sewer systems and fire protection in Rieth. He was a member of St. Marys Catholic Church in Pendleton.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Margaret Turner; his children Bill, Bob, Les and Michelle; his grandchildren Billy, Colton, Cheyenne and Angel; his sister Martha Miller of Pendleton; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings: Joe, Ray, Leslie, Mary, Martha and Nina.

Contributions in memory of Billy Dean Turner may be made to the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge #28 Funeral Fund, and may be sent in care of Burns Mortuary of Pendleton, P.O. Box 489, Pendleton, OR 97801.