He was born on Jan. 21, 1939 in Portland to Donald and Nora Thompson Turner. Gary lived his entire childhood in Portland and started kindergarten at Woodlawn Grade School and finishing at Grant High School. After graduating high school, Gary joined the Navy for four years and was sent to Alabama. Upon completing the Navy with an Honorable Discharge, Gary returned to Portland.
Gary spent the majority of his life in Hermiston were he purchased a farm that he and his second wife, Rita Turner, adored. It was a little bit of heaven for them. They truly loved it. Gary was the construction manager for several different projects in Hermiston and throughout the United States. He and Rita would go from job site to job site working as a team.
Gary was preceded in death by his father and mother, Donald and Nora Turner; brother, Dennis Turner; and his beloved wife, Rita Turner.
Gary is survived by his three daughters, Kelley Turner, Kimberly Turner, Kristy Turner; stepson, Troy Rodriquez; two sisters, Donna Sargent and Cheryl Davy; and five grandchildren, Misti Turner, Destini Turner, Brandon Turner, Nicolette Riley-Turner, and Christopher Riley-Turner; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Gary was a husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, and so much more. He was beloved by many, missed by most and his memory will live on through all of them.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 at 1 p.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel. Burial with military honors will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please sign the condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
