Donell Cole Turnage

Anna Donell Cole Turnage, 74, died Sunday, July 13, 2014 at an Abilene nursing home after suffering from a terminal illness. Born in Abilene, Texas, on December 3, 1939, she was the daughter of Anna Mae Barfield and Clifford Cole. She spent much of her early childhood in Buffalo Gap. Later her family moved to Abilene where she attended Abilene High School. In 1957, at the Texas State Fair, she met a young airman, Fred Turnage. She married Fred on March 9, 1957. She made a home with the love of her life, and their marriage lasted 54 years. She and her husband traveled with the military for several years before making their home in Abilene. In 1970, they moved their family to Hawley, Texas where they remained until Fred’s passing. While residing in Hawley, Donell acted as city secretary for over 20 years. Donell was a member of the Church of Christ. Although her health kept her from attending church in her later years, she remained devoted to her beliefs and shared those beliefs with others around her. She was an active part of her community and was always eager to serve. Donell was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Ernest Wayne Cole; and her beloved husband, Fred. She is survived by four children: Debbie Smith and husband Clifford, Bud Turnage and wife Gayle Ann, David Turnage, and Marsi Castillo; eight grandchildren: Micah Tatum, Rayme Yarbrough and husband Mason, Ryan Turnage and wife Amie, Wayna Turnage, Chelsie Turnage, Cruz Castillo, Brooklyn Castillo, and Carmen Castillo; several great-grandchildren: Austyn Tatum, Paizly Turnage, Gavin Turnage, and McKinley Yarbrough, and two more on the way; and a brother, Marvin Cole and wife Joyce. Her family has chosen to have a private service, but wants to thank all friends, co-workers, church members, and caretakers that have played such an important role in the life of their mother. Arrangements are being made by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. Memorial contributions can be made to Christian Service Center, 901 Mesquite, Abilene, TX 79601.