William D. Turner

William D. Turner, 93, passed away on November 5, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri surrounded by loving family. The visitation will be held from 9:00-10:00 a.m. A Rosary and eulogy will follow from 10:00-10:30. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. All of the services will be held November 12th at St. Catherine of Siena Parish located at 4101 E. 105th Terrace, Kansas City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or Elara Caring.

Bill was born October 4, 1929 in Phoenix, Arizona and his family later moved to Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1948. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1953 with a Civil Engineering degree.

He was an Air Force ROTC Cadet at the University of Kansas. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a reserve officer. He was called to active duty during the Cold War era and deployed to a strategic base outside of London, England where his first daughter was born. In England he worked with an Army Battalion as a Base Engineer. He later transferred to the Missouri Air National Guard where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and commander of the 139th Civil Engineering Squadron, Rosecrans AFB.

He began his professional career as a bridge designer for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, then became a building official for the Cities of Kansas City, Missouri and Merriam, Kansas. He retired from the City of Merriam, Kansas. He worked post retirement as the Catholic Diocesan Property Manager.

Bill was a licensed Professional Engineer in Kansas and Missouri. He oversaw codes enforcement, city planning and building inspections. He was a member of the International Conference of Building Officials and served as President for the Metropolitan Kansas City Chapter. He taught courses relative to building codes at Longview Community College. He was an Officer and Director on the Board of Directors for the Merriam Chamber of Commerce.

Bill married Joette Pecoraro in 1953 and was married for 42 years until her passing. Bill and Joette had 5 children and he was a wonderful father to them. He married Arlene Robinson in 1997 and they were married for 25 years. Arlene would be there until his passing. He was grateful for her love and companionship.

Bill loved making birdhouses and made a presentation on this at Senior Star at Villa Ventura where he lived the last six years of his life. He brought several birdhouses to display which were quite unique and well designed.

Bill attended classical music concerts with the Kansas City Symphony and would often listen to music in his room at Senior Star Villa Ventura. Bill also loved photography and travel. He visited all the European countries and all 50 states.

Bill was active in scouting as an Eagle Scout Chairman. He loved the outdoors and camping. Bill loved the Church and became a Catholic prior to his marriage to Joette. He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena for over 50 years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Bill was a participant in the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Center Brain Research Program. It was his wish to have his remains examined to aid in the fight against this debilitating disease.

Bill inspired all of his children in very different ways from carpentry to teaching to service. He will be missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents William and Gladys Turner, his sister Gladys Turner (Miller), and wife Joette (Pecoraro) Turner. He is survived by his wife Arlene Robinson; his sister Marilyn Werner; 3 daughters Sheryl Roederer and husband Steve, Shawnee, Kansas; Karen Turner, Overland Park, Kansas; Marla Byrne and husband Rich, Kansas City, Missouri; 2 sons Bryan Turner, Harrisonville, Missouri and David Turner, Scottsdale, Arizona; 5 grandchildren and their spouses, Michelle Byrne and husband Aaron Banas; Emily Kroge and husband Jason; Diana Byrne and husband Ryan Hughes; Joey Turner and Janie Turner; 2 great-grandchildren Selah and Micah Kroge. Bill was also a stepfather to 6 children, 16 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

We wish to thank Elara Caring and Senior Star at Villa Ventura for all of their support while caring for Bill.