Lt. Col. Ronald Turner

A true soldier and patriot, Ron’s love of the military and his country was second to none. Serving his country was one of Ron’s greatest loves and achievements. He sacrificed what he needed to serve his country so that we can live in a free United States of America. Ron served in the Army National Guard from 1960-2000, starting in the Reserves and later becoming an officer and Medical Specialist. He received the following decorations: Army Commendation Medal, Expert Field Medical Badge, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserves Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Sharpshooter. Ron’s assignments, while working at the Pentagon (1982-87) and for the Adjutant General of Missouri, earned him the respect of his military peers. His respect for freedom, our flag, our military, and love for our country was taught to his children and grandchildren and will forever be passed down. To him, there is nothing more important than the love of our country, respect for our military and flag, and freedom.

Ron attended Northeast High School in Kansas City, MO where he graduated in 1954. He attended William Jewel College, where he studied Biology and General Education, and studied at K-State and University of Kansas. He was a proud member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity.

Ron had a strong work ethic. His first job was delivering papers when he was 10-years old. Later, he worked for Black, Sivalls & Bryson, Jones Shoe Store, Milgram’s Grocery Store, and Pasley-Tyler Funeral Home, where he was a mortuary assistant. After college, Ron grew a love of insurance and began working for General Adjustment Bureau in Pittsburg, Kansas. He was an insurance adjuster and later had his own company, Turner Adjustment and Inspection. His favorite part of working in insurance was to travel to various places in the country for storm duty. His experience in the Army National Guard gave him the opportunity to help many during those trips when these natural disasters had stricken families in need. He never passed a car accident without stopping and assisting in whatever way he could. He was completely selfless in his service to others during times of tragedy.

One of Ron’s greatest virtues was his drive to “make things happen.” When he decided he wanted to fly planes, he did what he needed to do to make that happen and achieved his pilot’s license. Blessed with a beautiful voice, Ron decided he wanted to sing and joined a barbershop quartet called The Gloom Chasers where he sang bass. They recorded several albums and performed for others, including Teen Town. He was frequently asked to sing at loved one’s special events. “How Great Thou Art” was his favorite song to perform and we’ve heard people say that it was the most beautiful version they have ever heard. Ron also was self-taught with musical instruments and was an accomplished player of the piano, guitar, ukulele, polkalele, and trumpet. His favorite song was “Clair de Lune” and he could play it on the piano flawlessly.

When Ron wasn’t working, you could find him on the golf course. Golf was one of his true loves. He played yearly in the Peter Marshall Golf Classic in Kansas City, as well as many other golf tournaments around the country. One of his proudest moments was when he made a hole in one during one of the tournaments, followed by his disappointment that the tournament decided not to give away a car that year for said hole in one. In addition to golf, Ron was an accomplished bowler, once bowling a perfect game. He woke up the next day and said, “Well, glory is short lived,” as no one remembered his victory the next day.

Ron was known by his keen wit and nonstop humor. Always the jokester, his ability to pull off a practical joke was unparalleled among his friends and family. His dry sense of humor kept everyone laughing through the years and even through his last days. Ron never met a donut he didn’t like. Or an apple pie. (Although he preferred homemade ones.) His love of chocolate chip cookies was known and frequently requested for his granddaughters to make.

Ron/Dad/Grandpa…we will miss you but know that in heaven you are playing golf, and watching FOX News, tennis, M*A*S*H, James Bond, Perry Mason, more FOX news, Ironside, Hogan’s Heroes, Clint Eastwood movies, westerns, and yet even more FOX News.

Ron is survived by his devoted wife of 20 years, Darlene; daughters Beth (Jay) Robb, Andi (Tom) Pawlowski; sons Greg (Janetha) Turner, Todd (Debbie) Dodge, and Randy (Carrie) Dodge; grandchildren Francesca, Andreana, Isabella, Angelo (Ashton), Taylor, Brandon, Sarah, Matthew, Nick, Cliff, Chris, Cassie (Grady); great grandchildren Jaxson, Peyton and Scarlett; brother Kenneth (Patricia) Turner, sister Sandra Landes; nieces Julie (Raymond) Hengel, Tracy (Rick) Johnson, Vickie (Ed) Cribari; nephew Scott Landes; and many friends, including his group of golf buddies and beloved coffee group. He is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Violet Turner, brother-in-law Gene Landes, and nephew Curtis Turner.

Services will be held at McGilley State Line Chapel in Kansas City, MO on Sunday, February 6, 2022, starting at 1:00 p.m. for the visitation with the service following at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you make a donation to any organization that benefits our Veterans.