Danny Wayne Turner

Danny Wayne Turner, born August 16, 1958, in Batesville, Arkansas, went home to be with the Lord on August 13, 2026.

Dan was a man of deep faith who gave all the glory to God. He was grateful for God’s presence in his life, for His mercy, and for answering his prayers as he faced many challenges throughout his life, especially during the last few years as he battled serious health challenges.

Dan lived each day with purpose and gratitude. He was the definition of tough—tough as nails, determined, and never one to back down from a challenge. He always found a way to get things done. He could be a real hard-ass when he needed to be, but underneath that toughness was a man with a huge heart who loved his family deeply. He also loved the guys he worked with and formed friendships that lasted throughout his life.

Dan was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Alta Lee Cooper Turner; his father, Jess Ray Turner; his wife, Lana Turner; his sister, Brenda Witham; and his brothers-in-law, Gary Southerland and Mel Wiedeman.

Dan’s legacy will live on through his son, Aaron Turner and his wife Amanda; daughter, Erica Taylor; sisters, Mary Wiedeman and Juanita Southerland; brothers, Don Turner (Shelia), Dennis Turner (Janet), and Dale Turner; and his cherished grandchildren, Avery Jones, Madi Grace Turner, Presley Capshaw, Palmer Capshaw, and Paitynn Capshaw. He also leaves behind his beloved great-grandchildren, Remi Kate and River, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other family members whom he loved dearly and thought the world of.

A Love for the Outdoors

Dan absolutely loved being outdoors. Hunting deer and turkey wasn’t simply something he enjoyed—it was his true passion. Some of his most treasured memories were made in the woods with his son, brothers, family, and friends.

Hunting and camping at the “bus” with his family brought him an incredible amount of happiness over the years. He looked forward to the weekends when he could meet his brothers at the bus, sit around, tell stories, hunt, and simply enjoy being together.

Dan and his son shared a special bond as hunting buddies. Those days in the woods, the stories, the laughs, and the memories they made together will be cherished forever. For Dan, hunting was never just about the hunt. It was about the people he loved and the memories made along the way.

A Life of Hard Work

Dan began his professional career as a plumber, where he made many friends along the way. He worked alongside his brother Dale for years and eventually became a heavy equipment operator while still plumbing. Before long, he realized he enjoyed being on a piece of equipment much more than being down in the ditches.

That realization led Dan into the excavating business, which ultimately became his true calling. Throughout his career, he made lifelong friends and earned the respect of the people he worked alongside.

The last few years of Dan’s working life were spent with Barker Excavating, and that chapter of his career became one of the greatest blessings of his life. Roger and Jason took care of Dan during some of the most vulnerable and difficult times of his life. Their friendship, kindness, and willingness to be there for him when he needed it most meant more than words can express. The family will always be grateful for the way they cared for Dan.

Family Was Everything

Dan was one of seven siblings, and family meant everything to him.

He thought the world of his mother and looked up to her tremendously. She taught him the value of hard work, perseverance, and never giving up. She showed him what it meant to be strong, and those lessons stayed with him throughout his entire life.

Dan loved going to see his sisters because he knew, without a doubt, he was going to eat well. His sisters helped care for him from an early age and were, in many ways, like having a second mother. That bond remained special throughout his life.

His brothers made sure he was tough enough to make it through life, and later, those brothers became some of his closest hunting buddies. Many of Dan’s happiest and most cherished memories came from hunting with his brothers. He couldn’t wait for the weekends to arrive so he could meet them at the bus and spend time doing what he loved most—with the people he loved most.

Dan leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories, laughter, hard work, and love. His tough exterior, stubborn determination, quick wit, strong faith, and enormous heart will never be forgotten.

Visitation and Celebration of Life

Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Ashby’s Funeral Home in Benton, Arkansas, with a celebration of Dan’s life beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of Dan’s life—through friendship, love, support, or care.

The family would especially like to thank Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute and everyone at UAMS who provided Dan with such compassionate and exceptional care.

Dan will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him. While our hearts are broken by his passing, we find peace in knowing that he is no longer suffering. He fought hard, he never gave up, and he has now received the ultimate healing.

He is home, healed, and rejoicing in the arms of Jesus for all of eternity.

And for those of us who were lucky enough to call him Dad, Papaw, brother, uncle, friend, or hunting buddy—we will carry his memory with us until we see him again.