David Russell Turner

David Russell Turner

October 12, 1966 – March 3, 2026

David Russell Turner, 59, of Odessa, Texas, passed away on March 3, 2026. A lifelong resident of Odessa, David was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, business owner, and public servant whose life was marked by faith, leadership, and a deep commitment to his family and community.

David was born on October 12, 1966, in Odessa, Texas, to Billy Ray Turner and Theada Ruth Turner. He graduated from Permian High School in 1985. After attending Odessa College for one year, he transferred to Texas Tech University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing in 1989. Upon returning to Odessa to pursue a master’s degree at The University of Texas Permian Basin, David then met the love of his life, Jami.

David and Jami were married on May 26, 1990, in Odessa, Texas, and shared 35 years of marriage built on love, faith, and unwavering devotion. Jami described David as her “knight in shining armor,” the man who brought a sense of safety and joy to her life every single day. Their marriage was filled with laughter, partnership, and a shared commitment to raising their family with God at the center.

Together, David and Jami raised three children: Alexandra Golden, Emily Callendar, and Miles Turner. David took immense pride in being not only a father but also a confidant, mentor, and best friend to his children. He was their greatest supporter, always ready with encouragement, wisdom, and the occasional dad joke to brighten the moment.

Alexandra Golden and her husband, Houston, are the proud parents of Myleigh and Austin Golden. Emily Callendar and her husband, Brandon, have two children, Theodore (“Teddy”) and Poppy Callendar. Miles Turner and his fiancée, Tory Abshire, will be married in June and look forward to growing their family in the years ahead. David cherished his role as “Papa” and found great joy in spending time with his grandchildren.

In 1994, David purchased his first two Subway restaurants. Through hard work, determination, and a people-first philosophy, he grew his business to own and operate 11 Subway locations over the next 32 years. David was known as a compassionate and supportive employer who genuinely cared for every employee. He believed in giving people opportunities, offering grace, and often took the time to sit down, listen, and even pray with those who were struggling. His leadership left a lasting impact on countless individuals who worked alongside him.

David’s commitment to serving others extended far beyond his business. Inspired by the example of his parents—particularly his father, who served on the ECISD Board of Trustees for 12 years—David learned early the importance of giving back to the community. His father often reminded him, “The community puts food on your table and clothes on your back—you have an obligation to give back.” David lived by those words throughout his life.

Before becoming mayor, David served on the Board of Trustees for Odessa College. In November 2012, he was elected Mayor of Odessa, defeating one other candidate, and went on to serve two terms from 2012 to 2020.

During his time as mayor, David faced some of the most challenging moments in Odessa’s history. In 2019, when a mass shooting tragically took the lives of seven people and injured dozens more, David was in Fort Worth when he received the call. He immediately returned to Odessa with a police escort and worked tirelessly for days, providing leadership and stability during an incredibly painful time. He visited victims in the hospital, attended funerals, and offered comfort to grieving families. Though he did not know all the victims personally, he carried the weight of their loss deeply and believed it was his duty to stand beside his community in its darkest hour.

David also guided the city through the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout his time in office, he demonstrated a deep respect for first responders and worked diligently to strengthen public safety. His efforts included updating equipment for police officers, implementing encrypted communication systems to protect officers in the field, and establishing take-home patrol vehicles that improved response times and increased safety throughout the city.

Among the many accomplishments during his tenure were expanding the number of fire trucks and ambulances serving Odessa, supporting projects at the West Texas Food Bank, helping lead the revitalization of downtown Odessa including the development of the Marriott Convention Center, and advocating for the expansion of The University of Texas Permian Basin. He believed strongly in affordable, high-quality education and was proud to see the growth of the university and the creation of Falcon football.

David also worked to address Odessa’s water challenges by negotiating agreements to utilize brackish water resources, generating significant revenue for the city. He collaborated with leaders across the Permian Basin, including Midland Mayor Jerry Morales, to strengthen cooperation between neighboring communities.

One initiative that was especially meaningful to David was placing the words “In God We Trust” on every City of Odessa vehicle—a reflection of the faith that guided his personal life and public service.

Throughout his life, David remained active in numerous civic organizations including the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, Odessa Country Club, the First Baptist Church Finance Committee, and the Permian Basin Workforce Development Board. He believed deeply in making Odessa a stronger, better place for future generations.

Outside of his professional and civic responsibilities, David loved spending time outdoors, particularly hunting. However, his greatest joy came from being with his family. He cherished traveling the world with them and creating memories that would last a lifetime. David was also incredibly proud of Jami and often traveled with her to support her career.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Billy Ray Turner and Theada Ruth Turner, and his nephew, Brett Turner.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Jami Turner; his children, Alexandra Golden and husband Houston and Emily Callendar and husband Brandon, all of Odessa, Texas, and Miles Turner and fiancée Tory Abshire of Fort Worth, Texas; his cherished grandchildren, Myleigh and Austin Golden and Theodore (“Teddy”) and Poppy Callendar; his sister, Beth Libson and husband David all of Odessa, Texas; and his brother, Tommy Turner and wife Lin of Midland, Texas; as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, and extended family members who will cherish his memory.

David Turner lived a life defined by faith, service, leadership, and love for his family and community. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and through the city he cared for so deeply. Though he will be greatly missed, the impact he made will never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church Odessa, located at 709 N. Lee Avenue, Odessa, Texas 79761, with Pastor Byron McWilliams officiating.

Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Homes.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in David’s honor to the Odessa Police Department and Odessa Fire Rescue, organizations he deeply respected and supported throughout his life and service to the community.

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