Richard "Dick" M Turner

Richard “Dick” M. Turner died peacefully on March 10, 2018 at the Ohio Hospice in-patient unit of Upper Valley Medical Center.  Richard was born November 12, 1929, in Rockford, Michigan to Myron and Naomi (Hough) Turner. He was the oldest of four children; Charles (deceased), Jack Turner of Lansing, Michigan, and Judi (Turner) Brookover of Dade City, Florida. Richard was preceded in death by his parents,

On December 30, 1948, Richard married Ivagean “Jean” Soss, after a 3-month courtship that began with a blind date. This began a 69 year love story and Richard demonstrated daily that Jean was the love of his life.

Richard served in the US Army during the Korean conflict and was stationed in Germany. Upon returning from the army, Richard began his career with General Telephone, a career that would take his family from Muskegon, Michigan, to Grinnell, Iowa, to Tampa, Florida, and finally to Marion Ohio. He retired as Information Services Director in 1988 and together with Jean, they ran a u-pick blueberry business, “Turners Berry Farm” in Waldo, Ohio. After 14 years, they sold their farm and moved to Troy, Ohio.

Richard and Jean were blessed to have two daughters, Robin L. Turner of Marion, Ohio, and AnnaMarie (Turner) Stover of Troy, Ohio. Richard was pleased to finally get a son when Kevin Stover married his youngest daughter in 1980. In 1989, Richard and Jean welcomed their grandson, Ian Turner Stover into the world.

At the age of 33, Richard began his faith journey when a Lutheran pastor knocked on his door and invited him to church. From then until the time of his death, Richard was a true servant of the Lord, witnessing and sharing his faith.  Richard had a gift for sharing God’s word, was an adult Sunday School teacher for 40 years and also served as Church Council President. Richard truly lived God’s directive to “go forth and make disciples of all men.” Richard was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Tipp City, Ohio.

In addition to the family previously mentioned, Richard leaves behind 2 sisters-in-law, Alice (Soss) McMeeken, and Louise (Miller) Turner, both of Michigan, as well as special nieces, Shirley, Rene, Cindy, Tracy, and Kelly.

The family would like to thank Dr. Anu Kulkarni, Dr. Sayed Ali, and Dr. Georges S. Yacoub for the wonderful loving care that they provided over the years to Richard—he thought highly of you.  Additionally, the family is grateful to the Ohio Hospice team at UVMC for making Richard’s final hours peaceful and pain free.

It was Richard’s wishes to be cremated and Baird Funeral Home in Troy, Ohio is handling those arrangements. The family has privately said their goodbyes and a memorial service may be held at a later date.  Those wishing to honor Richard’s life are encouraged to make a donation in his name to Ohio Hospice of Miami County, Zion Lutheran Church in Tipp City, Ohio, or any charity of your choice.