Neile Jones Remembers Matt Turner
By: Lisa Mendenhall
Updated: October 8, 2012
"Words seem nothing short of inadequate when describing the loss of Matt Turner. For me, Matt Turner was the brother I never had. He could make you laugh at the drop of a hat and when you needed a friend, he was always there. His faith made him amazingly strong. We had a system that worked for us and we looked out for each other. He did his job with style, class and great courage, despite his many health ailments making you respect him that much more.
On a tough news day, he was right there for the team every step of the way. And when life offered challenges, no matter what ailment he might be dealing with, he was always there as a supportive friend with a hug and words of support and encouragement. His humor, sharp and quick. His intellect, superior, and his heart, full. He made us all laugh, sometimes to the point your belly hurt at just the right moment.
People would often ask me about Matt and our friendship. I still say what I love about Matt is his faith and the way he loves and his wife. The sun rises and sets with Julee. He always lights up when talking about her. He is a man of faith with a huge heart.
When Preslee was born at the hospital, I remember looking at them all and seeing how much love he has for his family: a father's joy and a husband's love. It was a beautiful moment I'll never forget. I think it's fair to say that the day he married Julee and the day Preslee was born, on those days his dreams came true.
He shared his life with us and for that we have all been truly blessed. There are no adequate words. A son, brother, husband, father, friend and so much more.
Matt, I will miss you, my friend, but more importantly I will miss my brother who everyday made the world a brighter place. Have no fears, friend. We are focused on your family and supporting them any way we can. I have no doubts about where you are. And God, thank you for allowing us the time you did with our friend and brother Matt Turner. Matt, we will miss you always and you will never ever leave our hearts."
- Neile Jones, KNWA news anchor
Neile and Matt shared the KNWA anchor desk for six years.
On a tough news day, he was right there for the team every step of the way. And when life offered challenges, no matter what ailment he might be dealing with, he was always there as a supportive friend with a hug and words of support and encouragement. His humor, sharp and quick. His intellect, superior, and his heart, full. He made us all laugh, sometimes to the point your belly hurt at just the right moment.
People would often ask me about Matt and our friendship. I still say what I love about Matt is his faith and the way he loves and his wife. The sun rises and sets with Julee. He always lights up when talking about her. He is a man of faith with a huge heart.
When Preslee was born at the hospital, I remember looking at them all and seeing how much love he has for his family: a father's joy and a husband's love. It was a beautiful moment I'll never forget. I think it's fair to say that the day he married Julee and the day Preslee was born, on those days his dreams came true.
He shared his life with us and for that we have all been truly blessed. There are no adequate words. A son, brother, husband, father, friend and so much more.
Matt, I will miss you, my friend, but more importantly I will miss my brother who everyday made the world a brighter place. Have no fears, friend. We are focused on your family and supporting them any way we can. I have no doubts about where you are. And God, thank you for allowing us the time you did with our friend and brother Matt Turner. Matt, we will miss you always and you will never ever leave our hearts."
- Neile Jones, KNWA news anchor
Neile and Matt shared the KNWA anchor desk for six years.
