Donald George Turton

Memorial Services were held Saturday July 28 for Donald Turton 80, of Balsam, NC who passed away Friday, July 27 in our local hospital after a short illness. He was born August 17, 1937 in Newark, NJ to Donald and Lois Turton. Don served in the United States Air Force from 1956-1960. He was the superintendent of Hallworth, NJ Department of Public Works. He moved to Balsam in 1991 and frequently stated “I ended up in the best possible place I could be, this is God’s country.”  Don was a master gardener and landscaper; hundreds of his efforts remain planted in the neighborhood. A teller of tales, Don was a happy loving and forgiving person who never met a stranger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Carol, his sons Christopher and Donald and sister Lois. He is survived by daughter Thizbea Troese husband Jack, grandchildren Grace and Victor; daughter Jody Reicher her husband Norm, grandchildren Sarah and Toby; brother Gary and many friends from northern Maine to Belize. Thoughts and prayers are always needed and appreciated.

Appalachian Funeral Services are handling arrangements for the family.