Memorial services for Edwin J. “Fritz” Turner, 87, Lawrence, will be Tuesday June 12 at 10:00 AM at Plymouth Congregational Church. Mr. Turner passed Monday, May 28, 2012 at Bridge Haven Memory Care Residence, Lawrence. A private family inurnment with full military honors will take place at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery later that afternoon.
He was born January 11, 1925, in LaCrosse, Kansas, the son of George Walter and Mary Kathryn LaVoney Turner. He grew up in LaCrosse and graduated from LaCrosse High School in 1943, where he lettered in football, baseball and the school band. Edwin served in the United States Army during World War II and continued service in the Kansas Army National Guard attaining the rank of Master Sergeant until retiring in 1977.
“Fritz” worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation in the construction department and retired in 1987 after 41 ½ years of service. He was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church, Dorsey-Liberty Post 14 of the American Legion and the Alford-Clarke Post 852 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, all of Lawrence.
Edwin married Marilyn Rose Kathleen McCarty on September 13, 1953, in Larned, Kansas and were married 58 1/2 years. She survives of the home. Other survivors include daughter, Pamela Ann Schneider, Olmitz, husband Tom, grandchildren Jeff Schneider, wife Sarah, Jennifer Urban, husband Eric, and Joel Schneider; son, Patrick La Von Turner, Lawrence, wife Holly, grandchildren Mason Webernick and Chelsea Coleman, husband Jack; and daughter Mary Kathryn Hurd, Perry, husband Kary, and grandchildren, Abby Hurd and Kameron Hurd; and great grandson Landon Webernick.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers and sisters; Maxine, Marvin, Mildred, Louise, Wynona, Wesley, Kathleen, La Von, Cecil, and Robert.
Memorial contributions may be made, in lieu of flowers in Edwin’s name to: Grace Hospice, Bridge Haven Memory Care Residence, or the Museum of the Kansas National Guard and may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, Lawrence.
Thank you, Fritz, for your service to our country.
To Mrs. Turner and Patrick, Mary, and Pamela and your families,
When we were all younger and I sometimes would spend time around your house or playing nearby with Pat, I only knew your father through brief words exchanged on occasion. I spent a short time in Webelos, and he was a troop leader at those meetings in the basement of that church just across the street from the baseball diamond at Harrison Junior High. Mr. Turner’s voice communicated authority and, at the same time, kindness and good will. Once or twice, while riding my bicycle near Brits Spaugh Park, I saw your dad coming or going from the National Guard offices, and he would wave and say hello. After I moved to Lawrence, I visited Great Bend several times and stopped by your home, where I benefited from thoughtful words and practical advice from Mr. and Mrs. Turner, who always made me feel welcome. Patrick visited me a few years ago and showed me wonderful photographs from your family’s trip to the new World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and I thought of you guys when I visited the Memorial with my older son not long ago. The neighborhood where I grew up in Great Bend was a good place because of people like Edwin Turner. He was a gentleman, and his influence is reflected in his children’s lives. May he rest in peace, and may your family find strength at this difficult time.
Sorry to hear about your loss. I always enjoyed wworking with Fritz over the years.
My he rest in peace.
Sorry to hear about your loss. I always enjoyed working with Fritz. May he rest in peace.
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear
Fritz. Max admired and spoke so often of him about their years together in the Guard. May God bless you and keep you in the warmth of your love and memories.
We were sad to here about Fritz’s passing. We’d been delighted a couple of years back to see the article in the newspaper about his time in the military, and to catch up with you now that we were all in Lawrence. Our girls remember the years as neighbors when he walked the little black dog and you had tea parties with them in Great Bend. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Kathleen, you and Edwin brought so much love and laughter to the lives of Alvin & Clara. You are both very special people, and we love you dearly.
Dick & Mary Luman
Aunt Kathleen, Pam, Mary and Patrick – Your Dad was one of my favorite uncles. I know his departure is a tough time to go though but my prayers are with you. You all loved him so much. Love, Cousin Janie
Our thoughts and prayers go to the Turner family on the death of Fritz. May each of you recall the wonderful memories you had. We recall times in Great Bend with your family. God bless you now and always.
To all of the Turner family…my heart aches for all of you and my prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear about Uncle Fritz. Hope to maybe see ya all at the service, harvest willing. Thinking of you all, God Bless
To my very first love, my mentor, my best friend, my Knight in shining armor ….. I want to Thank you for all you have given me in my life, love, my LOVE of Country, trust, respect,caring, friendship, and always support without question. I will always love you for that! I miss you so much …. Your daughter, Pammie
” I love you Daddy …” ” I love you too baby!”
I love you and miss you daddy!