Oscar A Turner

Oscar A. Turner, the beloved son of Harold A. Turner and Judy Mae Boykin, was born on February 21, 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri. He completed his education at Central High School in Kansas City, Missouri earning his High School Diploma in 1969. 

At a young age, he embraced Jesus as his Lord and Savior and became a member of St. Stephen Baptist Church. In 1955, Oscar's mother entered a new union with Alonzo Boykin, Jr. 

Tragically, in 1969, Oscar experienced a serious accident that significantly impaired his health for a considerable portion of his early adult life. After years of perseverance, rehabilitation, and working various jobs, Oscar decided to make a fresh start. In 1993, he moved to Dallas, Texas, where he worked for the City of Dallas as a Sanitation Engineer, while also holding a position as a stocker at Walmart. 

Oscar remained in Dallas until 2002, at that point, he returned home to Kansas City to help care for his father, Alonzo Boykin, Jr., during his illness. He also spent time in St. Louis, lovingly assisting with the care of his grandmother, Hazel Turner, and continued to support the care of his parents until his own health took a significant decline in 2015. 

Oscar’s interests were wide-ranging—he loved wrestling, science fiction, and above all, his Kansas City Chiefs. Watching the Chiefs with Oscar was a full experience! He passionately debated referee calls, coached from his living room, and performed his signature touchdown dance every time they scored. His excitement and energy brought joy and laughter to all who shared game day with him. A true fan, Oscar even recorded every game when VHS tapes emerged—and once even lost a job for choosing to stay home and watch a Chiefs game! 

But beyond sports, Oscar’s greatest love was for the Lord and his family. He touched the lives of everyone in some kind of way who had the honor of knowing him. His selflessness and generous nature were evident. While he would speak his mind, when necessary, Oscar was deeply compassionate and always grateful. When his mother’s health failed, Oscar was committed to caring for her with love, devotion and compassion. Despite facing many difficulties, Oscar remained resolute throughout it all. Even as his health declined, he remained uncomplaining and full of gratitude for every act of kindness shown to him. 

His memory will endure, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion that continues to live on in all of us. On Friday, October 3, 2025, Oscar Turner received his heavenly wings at the Monterey Park Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Independence, Missouri. He was preceded in death by Harold A. Turner, Alonzo Boykin Jr., Judy M. Boykin, and two brothers, Alonzo Boyd and Vickie Boykin. May the Lord Jesus now receive Oscar into his eternal home and grant him peace and joy! His life was a testimony of endurance, faith, and love. 

Oscar leaves to cherish his memories: Four sisters, Sheila Turner-Young of Gardner, Kansas, Patricia Torrence [Turner] of St. Louis, Missouri, Ruzzette Boykin of Raytown, Missouri, and Sonya Boykin of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; one brother, Kevin Boykin (Daisy) of Kansas City, Kansas; one aunt, Sarah Hall of Raytown, Missouri and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.