Laura Olga McCandless Turner

Laura Olga McCandless Turner passed away May 29, 2024 at the age of 92.   She was born on November 3, 1931 to Henry and Minnie McCandless in Cabool, Missouri.  She grew up in Texas City, Texas where she graduated from high school after surviving the Texas City Disaster in 1947 as a 15-year-old at Central High.

While working at the Texas Movie Theater in downtown Texas City, she met Virgil Alfred Turner and they married in 1949.  They raised four children, Bill, Sue, Gary and Judy, in Texas City.

Laura loved being a grandmother.  Her children blessed her with ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.  She loved spending time with them at “The Farm” in Colmesneil, Texas where she and Alfred grew Christmas trees in their early retirement days and she hosted big family Thanksgivings, including this past year. 

Laura was a member of Temple Baptist Church where she and Alfred devoted their time and energy to being teachers and active members of the congregation.  Laura was also a proud member of The Daughters of the American Revolution, George Washington Chapter, and was able to trace her ancestors back to the 1700’s in Ireland.  

Laura will always be remembered for her wonderful cooking, her roses, her love for her children and many grandchildren, and her soft spot for her cats who she considered valuable family members. 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Alfred Turner; parents Henry and Minnie McCandless; and siblings Phyllis Ischy, Boscoe Draper, Lois McCandless and Woody McCandless and granddaughter, Regina Palmer.  Laura is survived by her children, Bill Turner & wife Lynn, Sue Hall & husband Alan, Gary Turner, Judy Palmer & husband Danny; grandchildren, Jennifer, Courtney & husband Travis, Caroline & husband Jonathan, Alisha & husband William, Katherine, Ashley & husband Gabe, Kelsey, Cameron & wife Audrey, and Erin.  Also surviving her are great-grandchildren, who meant the world to her, Kim, Audrey, Taylor, Tre, Laura & husband Raul, Grey, Travis, Rosie, Hudson, Julia, Oliver, Violet, Makenzie, Maisie, Bailey, and great-great-granddaughter Eliana.  She loved and was always close to her niece, Jan Jackson & husband Drew, her nephews, Danny Ischy and Steve Slough; and the multitude of relatives, neighbors, and friends who have been so important to her through the years.  

Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Galveston Memorial Park.