Mr. James Lee “Turp” Turpen, 84, of Barbourville, passed away Sunday afternoon, May 29, 2022 at the VA Medical Center in Lexington. He was the son of the late Orville and Lola Garner Turpen born on May 22, 1938 at Nancy.
James was a former appliance repairman, a Free and Accepted Mason, a member of the Oleika Shrine Temple in Lexington and a member of the Highland Park Baptist Church. He faithfully served his country in the United States Army. James enjoyed watching NASCAR, was an avid UK sports fan, visiting Jack’s Stop and Go, running around with his best friend, Bev Helton, spending time with his family, but most especially loved watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up.
On February 13, 1993, he united in marriage with Laura Hammons Mills.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan Turpen and great granddaughter, Presley James Doolin.
Survivors include his loving wife, Laura Turpen of Barbourville; two children, Heather Shelton and husband, Sherman, of Georgetown and Belinda Clark and husband, Glenn, of Jacksonville, FL; a sister, Maggie Roy and husband, Paul, of Nancy; a brother, Howard Turpen and wife, Liz, of Nancy; brothers-in-law, Lyman Alexander of Danville and Jimmy Alexander and wife, Elmeta, of Somerset; grandchildren, Michael Doolin and wife, Kendra, Dakota Doolin and wife, Lindsay, Chloe, Micah and Joanna Belle Shelton; great grandchildren, Samuel, Shepherd, Sterling and Silas Doolin; several nieces and nephews; dear friend, Les Brown; among other loved ones and dear friends.
His funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Thursday, June 2 at 7 P.M. with Rev. Jared Styles and Greg Helton officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Clay Hill Cemetery in Pulaski County Friday, June 3 at 11 A.M. with military funeral honors.
Casket bearers will be Glenn Clark, Sherman Shelton, Michael Doolin, Dakota Doolin, Micah Shelton and Terrill Roy. Serving as honorary bearers will be Les Brown, Joey Turpen and Barry Turpen.
Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday after 5 P.M. until the funeral hour and at the cemetery Friday prior to the service time.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of JAMES TURPEN.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
