Michael Laird Turner

At the age of 78, after building a beautiful life and family, Michael (Mike) Laird Turner went to rest with our Lord on January 17th, 2024. Mike was born on June 1, 1945 in San Antonio, Texas to Henry Clay Turner and Anne Laird Turner. The 2nd youngest of 6, he was always eager to join his brothers and sisters on any adventure.

At the age of 13, he met the love of his life, Cindy, and they later married. They started a family that instantly became his pride and joy.

He graduated High School and went straight into the US Air Force and followed that with an amazing 40+ year career as a nurserymen and home builder. Upon retiring, he gladly took on the role of Grandfather as a full time job.

Over the years, his family grew, making him the best Dad to 2, Grandfather to 7, and Great-Grandfather to 2, with another on the way, as he was there for all sports, activities, science fairs, and graduations.

“Papo,“ as he was known by his family, became his favorite role, using the humor and playfulness he was known for, to be a memorable star in their lives. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to bring a smile to their faces. Fun, crazy, creative home-made birthday hats were a must at EVERY party!

You might catch him driving around town with a red clown nose to provoke a few laughs. Or, announcing to his grandson’s that their peach tree and watermelon patch, which had no chance of bearing fruit, had miraculously done so the minute he knocked on their door.

Or, capturing the hearts of each of his grandchildren with his master brew - rooster milk, sugar and a splash of coffee.

Or, filling trays of whipped cream to “delicately” smash in ALL his grandchildren’s faces. Nieces and nephews were not excluded from this practice. Even, startling them all with rubber snakes, spiders and giant grasshoppers.

Mike was known for his amazingly delicious cooking, phenomenal gardening, and possessing the ability to fix any and everything with his hands. But most of all, for his dry and witty sense of humor and the impact he had on his family.

In leu of flowers, the family asks to please make donations to The American Cancer Society or charity of your choice.

Mike is survived by his wife, Cindy Turner of 58 years; son, Darin Turner; daughter, Tammy Turner and husband David Velasquez; grandchildren, Kyle Kalisky, Kody Kalisky, Joshua Turner, Talbert Velasquez, Cameron Turner, Jan-Tanah Velasquez Christensen and Jett Turner Velasquez; great-grandchildren, Reagan Schultz and Dallas Kalisky; sister, Judy Moore; brother, Patrick Turner.

Visitation will be at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, Texas, 78238, on Saturday, January 27, 2024 beginning at 10:00 A.M. with a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 A.M.

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