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Throughout his long, full life he reached out in friendship and in service.
As a young man, he served honorably as a Yeoman in the United States Navy, a "Sea Bee" (construction battalion), during WWII.
After the war, he continued his business career as a loan and insurance agent in the lower Rio Grande Valley city of San Benito. There he served his chosen community in many ways. He was a volunteer fire fighter for 13 years, and chairman of the San Benito Housing Authority serving 17 years.
He was a commissioner for the Boy Scouts for four years, chairman of the San Benito Planning and Zoning Board serving 14 years, and treasurer of the San Benito Chamber of Commerce for two years. Deam was the San Benito Lions Club president for two terms and Drive Chairman for the Salvation Army for three years. He was also the father of four children and was involved in supporting many activities such as band, science projects, and coaching Little League teams.
M.D. had his own hobbies as well, the favorite being the study and collection of Native American artifacts. He was able to more fully pursue this pastime after settling in Junction upon retirement in 1979, and thrived on the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts and in sharing his knowledge. In his typical generous spirit, he has allowed the Museum of the Plains of Perryton to exhibit his collection so that the public can also enjoy it. We will miss his wit and gentle manner.
Merydith was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Doris Eloise Montgomery Turner. He is survived by his sister, Jacquita Turner, of Higgins; son, Merydith Deam Turner, Jr., and his wife, Harriet, of Austin; daughters, Judy Turner, and partner, Fran, of Bastrop, Marcia Turner Brehmer, and her husband, Carl, of Chino Valley, Arizona, and Valerie Turner, of Austin; four grandchildren, Daniel Turner, Kathryn Turner, Anson Brehmer, and Jessica Brehmer, and one great-granddaughter, Danielle.
The viewing was held in Junction on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 3 and 4, at the Graham Funeral Home. Hughes Funeral Home of Canadian will assist with additional arrangements. Memorial services will be held in the Lipscomb Union Church on Friday, April 6, at 10 a.m., with burial at the Lipscomb Community Cemetery.
The family deeply appreciates the many friendships and acts of kindness given to our father, especially in his later years. Thank you.
Memorials may be made to the Museum of the Plains, 1200 N. Main, Perryton, Texas 79070.