Jerry L. Turner passed away at his home in Selah, Washington surrounded by his adoring family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on March 19, 1950 to Gerald Lee Turner and Audrey Faye (Dockins) Turner in Ava, Missouri.
Jerry attended school in the Yakima Valley; also attended Yakima Valley College and Central Washington University. He was a life-long learner, achieving his goal of becoming a Certified Crane Operator with the NCCCO. He worked over 40 years in the construction industry as a laborer and heavy equipment operator. He spent most of his life in the Yakima Valley and traveled in his work for various projects to the Aleutian Islands in Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, and American Samoa (US Territory). He retired as an Instructor at the Operating Engineers Regional Training Center in Ellensburg, Washington in 2013. Jerry enjoyed the people he was able to work with throughout his career, especially at the Training Center.
Jerry enjoyed the outdoors, taking walks in nature, fishing and hunting for many years and later bird watching. He and Margaret took summer road trips and camping excursions whenever they could, his loyal dog, Luther, by his side. He enjoyed spending time in Roslyn, Washington working on revitalizing their old cabin, puttering around on Lake Cle Elum and getting Marionberry ice cream with his kids and grandkids in town.
Jerry is known for his sense of humor, being a hard worker, family man, loyal friend, and bird lover. He took joy in photographing birds and other wildlife and sharing them with friends and family. He was always uttering the phrases, “This too shall pass,” and “If you don’t happen to like me, pass me by.” Above all else, Jerry lived generously. He boosted others up whenever he could and was always there to help.
Jerry is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Margaret Turner; daughter, Gayelynn (Tommy) Davis; son, Joseph Turner; grandchildren, Amber Williams, Joseph Williams, Kenneth Williams, and Maggie Davis; great grandchildren, Spencer and Olive; his favorite sister, Terri Storlie (Tom); brother, Kevin Turner, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jerry is preceded in death by his brother, Steve Turner, and his parents.
The Turner family asks that donations be made to Central Lutheran Church or the Yakima Humane Society.
