Best of Siloam Springs

John and Kathy Turner were also honored with the Pioneer Citizen Award and share a passion for Siloam Springs. ey have served in city government and bestowed their kindness on a city they love throughout their careers. John was born in 1949 at the old Siloam Springs Hospital, gathering friends throughout his childhood and spending memorable times at Sager Creek. He worked at Allen Canning from 1972 to 2011. Childhood friend and Allen Canning co-worker Mike Hubbard, said "He comes from a great family. He's honest, and he's a good husband and father." Friend Gary Mickel has known John Turner all his life and doesn't think anyone is as deserving. "He just is an exemplary person," Mickel said. "He likes to help people and he loves to tout Siloam Springs." Kathy Turner was born Kathy Pickle in Siloam Springs and spent most of her early life at Kamp Paddle Trails on Lake Frances near Watts, OK, but did, however, graduate from Siloam Springs High School. She recalls camp life fondly, saying "A hundred of your closest friends come to play every summer." Kamp Paddle Trails operated from 1952-1989 and taught horseback riding, sailing and swimming. Kathy went on to study at Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS and met John while she was home for Easter during her freshman year. ey married aer both graduated from college in the spring of 1975. John began his career at Allen Canning, while Kathy worked as program director and counselor at Kamp Paddle Trails She later worked as a graphic designer for DaySpring. In 2002, Kathy was elected to the City Board of Directors and served one term. John ran for his wife's seat in 2006, then ran and was elected mayor in 2012 and again in 2016. He retired from public office following the end of his second term in 2020. In 2012, Kathy began working with the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce to organize Pickin' Time on 59. "I think that I have watched my parents give back to the community my entire life and it's a blessing to watch them serve without getting anything in return," said Callie Turner, the couple's daughter. "So I am proud to see them get this." e 2021 Annual Banquet was the perfect opportunity to award some of Siloam Springs' greatest volunteers. e current board chair passed the baton to the incoming board chair during this event and the Chamber of Commerce awarded the Pioneer Citizens, Outstanding Civic Leader, Volunteer of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, and Businesses of the Year of all sizes. All three of the Pioneer Citizen recipients are more than deserving to receive this award. ey have all had a great impact on their families, friends, and the community of Siloam Springs. John and Kathy Turner i have watched my parents give back to the community my entire life and it's a blessing to watch them serve without getting anything in return. ~ callie turner, John & Kathy turner's daughter Siloam Springs Herald-Leader Wednesday, April 28, 2021 Best of Siloam Springs • 21 Ad Number: 042821nwr1691 gates.com Located in Siloam Springs, our rich heritage of innovation mirrors with the character and values in the heart of community where we serve up local career opportunities!!!! • We invest in people • Expanding mindset • Number one in reputation standards • Manufacturer of Application Specific Fluid Power & Power Transmission Solutions • We exceed expectations • We inspire solutions Gates is there with the riGht product, in the riGht place, at the riGht time. driven by possibility. Thank you for voting Siloam Springs!

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