Marion R Turnipseed

Marion R. Turnipseed, 102 of Washington, died Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the United Presbyterian Home.

Funeral Services have been set for 10:30 AM, Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, at the Washington United Methodist Church in Washington with Pastor Alyssa Nantt officiating. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery with full military honors by American Legion Post #29 of Washington. Visitation will begin at Noon on Monday, November 3rd, 2025, at the Beatty Funeral Home, with family present from 4-6:00 PM. Memorials in the name of Marion R. Turnipseed have been established to the United Presbyterian Home and American Legion Post #29.

Marion was born on December 14, 1922, to Roy and Faye (Bauer) Turnipseed, in Washington County IA. Marion graduated from Washington High School in 1940 and was united in marriage to Helen Swanson on August 14th, 1949, at the United Methodist Church. Shortly after high school, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served as a flight engineer and top turret gunner on B-24 Liberator “Phantom Renegade”, a heavy bomber. He went on 35 missions during WW2 and said there were three times when he narrowly escaped death. On his first mission, he was flying near Paris when he came under heavy anti-aircraft fire. Another was when the plane above him was hit and the engine came off nearly hitting his plane. The last one was when a shell exploded close to his plane that it shattered the copilot’s window. After his service, he worked at Solar Aircraft and as a mechanic for Betts Cadillac in Des Moines for many years. Marion enjoyed sailing, teaching sailing, and woodcarving, and was a member of a sailing club.

Marion is survived by his son, David of Des Moines, IA, three grandchildren: Lindsey McBrayer of Meridian, MS, Lisa McDuffie of Meridian, MS, and Calem Bunte of Des Moines, IA, and four great-grandchildren: Hunter, Anna, Natalie, and Gracie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife (March 17th, 2017), and his daughter, Rhonda Van Horne (2005), and by five siblings: Letha Statler, Edna Statler, Frances Toothacher, Erma Lyle, and Daryl Turnipseed.