Jerry M. Turner

RICHMOND, Ind. – Jerry M. Turner, age 75, of Richmond, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 3, 2008, of congestive heart failure precipitated by a brief battle with lung cancer. Jerry Maynard Turner was born on December 17, 1932, in Richmond, Ind., the last of 10 children to John Thurman Turner and his wife, Osie Houser Turner. He was very proud to be a lifelong resident of Richmond. While attending Richmond High School, he was a successful athlete. At age 19, he was drafted into the United States Army to serve in the 31st Field Artillery Battalion during the Korean War. Jerry served two years in the Korean War and was released with an Honorable Discharge at the age of 21 with a Korean Service Ribbon, United Nations Service Metal and National Defense Service Medal. Jerry was employed for 37 years at Johns Manville. After retiring, Jerry’s focus on his family was magnified. He spent most of his time cooking for his family and enjoying good food. It was not unusual to walk into his home and find him working on a huge meal and following several different ball games at the same time-he would have headphones on, the television going, and often an alternate television or radio playing. Jerry and Carol truly enjoyed spending time playing cards and dominoes with friends and family. These three pastimes in addition to simply spending time with his loved ones created a beautiful existence for him and all who loved him. His giving spirit and jovial sense of humor were incomparable. He loved with all his heart and all who knew him were well aware of his love of life. Jerry saw each and every day as a gift from God-he laughed, sang and was genuinely appreciative of all the splendors of the world around him. Jerry is survived and will be desperately missed by his adoring wife of 19 years, Eleanor Carol Turner; his sons, Jerome L. Turner, Michael J. Turner, Richard J. Gagliano and Robert J. Gagliano; his daughter, Jennifer C. Turner; daughter-in-law, Sherri Turner; and his grandchildren, Lacey Turner, Zachary Turner, Ashley Gagliano, Bailey Gagliano, Cheyenne Gagliano, Lindsey Turner, Lauren Turner, Michael Turner, Jordan Turner; sister, Bertha Bell; his brother-in-law and sister, Merritt and Elsie Markley; his cousin and wife, Bill and Ferris Turner; and many precious nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Paul and Vernon who passed away as children; sister and brother-in-law, Charmie and John Brinker; sister and brother-in-law, Jeanette and Charles Kiger; brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Juanita Turner; brother, Charles Turner; and sister, Dorothy Walter. Friends and loved ones are welcome to visit and celebrate Jerry’s life at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road W. on Friday, August 8, 2008, from 5-8 p.m. Funeral service will be conducted by Pastor John Walker at Doan & Mills on Saturday, August 9, 2008, at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Jerry M. Turner

December 17, 1932 - August 3, 2008