Fern William Turner, Clay Center
Obituary | Fern Turner | Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home (nsrfh.com)
Fern William Turner passed away peacefully on November 24, 2021, surrounded by family members, at the age of 96, at the Clay County Medical Center.
His life began on a farm 10 miles northwest of Solomon, KS where he was born to Harry and Neva (Stout) Turner on January 3, 1925. He was raised in the Vine Creek area near Longford, KS with his two sisters and two brothers.
He graduated from Minneapolis High School in 1943, where he was a charter member of the Minneapolis FFA, and Rock Hill 4-H Club.
During this time, he worked hard as a farm hand for his father from 1939 to 1944 until he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving our country during WWII from 1944-1946. He had become a Sgt. Major, the highest enlisted civilian appointment, before receiving emergency furlough at the news of his father’s death, ending his service.
When he returned home from the war he spent his days helping his mother and brother, Waine work their farm. Fern truly was a jack of all trades; farmer, electrician, carpenter. One of his proudest jobs was owning and operating his own custom hay baler. He really could do it all.
At this point in his life he thought he may be destined to stay a bachelor forever, but then, in his words, he met a “cute little redhead” named Dorothy Walker and his life changed forever. They were married on April 29, 1959 and celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in 2021. Together, they had two children: Debra and Ranelle.
They lived in Concordia, KS briefly before deciding to purchase what would become known as the Turner Grocery Store in Miltonvale, KS in 1960. They owned and operated the store with his brother Waine for over 30 years, until their retirement in 1991.
During the 55 years they lived in Miltonvale, Fern proudly served the community. He was a member of the Miltonvale Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, a volunteer firefighter, and spent his Sundays teaching Sunday School at the Wesleyan Church. He truly was a dedicated servant to any worthy cause. He was most proud of his perfect attendance record as a member of the Lions Club, serving as secretary for 50+ years. One of his greatest accomplishments was receiving the Melvin Jones Fellow Service Award for dedicated humanitarian services from Lions Clubs International in 2012.
In 2015 Fern and Dorothy moved to Clay Center, KS. In June 2021, Fern began receiving compassionate care from the team at Clay Center Presbyterian Manor due to increasing health issues.
Fern loved playing golf, solving word searches, beating everyone in bingo, playing a good game of Chicken Feet with his brothers and sisters, and teaching his grandkids how to properly hold a pool cue. He spent his days reading and sharing his love for the Bible. He knew the word of God like the back of his hand.
He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His memory, spirit, and love for Wheel of Fortune will continue to live on in each of us that were lucky enough to know him.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Harry and Neva Turner, his brother Waine Turner, sister June Buche (husband FX Buche), and brother-in-law Paul Bronson.
He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy (Walker) Turner of the home; daughter Debra Forshee (John) – Carnation, WA and daughter Ranelle Fischer – Lawrence, KS; grandchildren Jonelle Kirkpatrick (Wes), Jocelyn Lawrence (Martin), Jessica Forshee (Lauren), Haley Dufford (Daniel), Gavin Fischer, Allie Fischer, and Aubrey Fischer; great-grandchildren William and Kanoa Fischer; Deacon, Lillian, and Keifer Lawrence; and Fiona Kirkpatrick; sister Shirley Bronson — Junction City, KS and brother Doyle Turner (Doris) — Salina, KS; as well as nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
Visitation: 3-7 p.m. Monday, November 29, 2021, at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home. The family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m.. Masks that cover the nose and mouth are required to attend.
Funeral Services: 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 30 at F.C. Hill Memorial Wesleyan Church in Miltonvale. Masks that cover the nose and mouth are required to attend.
Memorial contributions to the Miltonvale Lions Club or Miltonvale Fire Department.