Duane O. Turner

Pleasant Grove, Utah - Duane O. Turner, our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle and Friend passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his wife and family on December 6, 2011 in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Duane was born May 18, 1920, the 3rd of 6 children, to David Ernest and Hulda Artimisha Allen Turner in Lyman, Utah. Growing up in Wayne County as a youngster until the age of 8 when his mother passed away. He then went to Springville, UT to live with Evon and Valera Averett, a cousin. He attended and graduated from Springville High School. After a short time, world conditions incited himself and several of his brothers to enlist in the military. On October 21, 1941 he became part of the US Army. Promising his love to the beautiful Norma Ernsten they married prior to him leaving for the service. October 26, 1941 they made their vows to one another in Preston, Idaho. Then, that same day, he was taken to Fort Douglas and entered military service. Only a little over a month later the US was attacked at Pearl Harbor. Duane became part of the US Army Air Corps and proceeded to become part of the 8th Air Force, 303rd Bomb Group (heavy) and served the war from an airbase in Molesworth England. He served there along side other heroes who defended our freedom. Surviving the war he returned home to his family and beautiful bride to begin his civilian life. Duane and Norma were joined in eternal marriage in the Manti Temple on December 11, 1947. Operating a repair shop in Lyman Utah along with his brother Nelson he became known for his expertise in mechanical repair. In 1964 he was given an opportunity to become part of the US Park Service and moved to Fruita, Utah and Capital Reef National Monument. After a few years he was promoted to a position that required he travel to all the National parks and monuments in the Western US. With this promotion he transferred first to New Mexico and finally to Yellowstone National Park where he resided until his retirement. Having lived in Billings, MT, Richfield, UT, Salina, Springville and finally Pleasant Grove, he and Norma were loved by all who knew them. Following retirement Duane and Norma were given an opportunity to serve an LDS Mission in the Family History Center in Salt Lake City. Duane served in 5 bishoprics, was Branch President at Yellowstone North Ward, volunteered over 4000 hours at the Family History Center in Billings, Montana and was a volunteer at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings. Duane loved to meet people and would spend endless hours talking to anyone whom he met. He loved the outdoors and would spend hours walking and enjoying the things God created for him to see. Duane is survived by his beautiful bride, Norma, his son David (Paula) and a brother Fonzo. He was preceeded in death by his Mother, and Father; Brothers: Nelson, Ward, Guy and sister Leola Chappell as well as pre-mature twin sons and a granddaughter, Mary Kay Turner. He has 3 Grandchildren, Tina Ann (Dean) Schock, Barbara Lee (Bob) Miller and David Troy (Michelle) Turner plus a native-American foster daughter, Barbara Jean Charlie (Hank) Morris. He loved them and would spend time, including summers in Yellowstone with them. Later blessed with 6 Great-Grandchildren, Justin Ludwig, Jessica Ludwig (Jared) Watts, Joshua Ludwig, Brandon Turner, TJ Turner and Samantha Baty. Numerous nieces and nephews were so special to him. Especially the last few years with the love and attention from Myrna and Doyle Hess, Rick and Laura Turner and their entire families. Time spent with family was always his most special times. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. in the Lyman LDS Ward Chapel. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home, 260 North 400 West in Richfield, Friday evening from 6 to 8pm and again at the Lyman LDS chapel on Saturday from 11:30 to12:30 prior to the services. Burial with military honors accorded by the Harold Brown American Legion Post #92 will be at the Lyman, Utah cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah. A special thanks to “Hearts for Hospice and Home Health Care” angels and we would request donations to them in lieu of flowers. A very special thank you to Brian, Karen and all the others that became part of our family in those final days with Duane. We love you all so much.