Kenneth Richard Turner, 83 years old, was called home to be with the Lord on August 22, 2024, in Orlando, FL surrounded by his loving family.
Ken, who also went by his middle name Dick, had a wonderful and beautiful life that was blessed by God. Ken was an amazing and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. Ken was always smiling, loved to talk, laugh, and joke and meet new people, many with whom he became instant friends. Ken was a perpetual learner, natural born speaker and storyteller. He was a bright light in this world and his positive energy radiated to everyone.
Ken was born October 8, 1940, in Canton, Ohio to Kenneth L. and Martha A. Turner. He was the eldest of their five children. Ken had strong roots to Ohio growing up in Canton, home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and later living many years in Akron. He was a great athlete, excelling in multiple sports. Ken played four years of varsity football at Canton McKinley High School and two of those years as a state champion. Ken also swam on the varsity swim team and ran varsity track for four years and won multiple state titles.
After graduating high school, Ken enlisted in the United States Navy. The Navy was a perfect fit as he loved the water and was a skilled swimmer. He competed on the Navy swim team at Great Lakes. Ken was part of the elite Beachmaster Unit Two, where he served as a Radioman. The Beachmaster Unit Two controlled the beaches and facilitated the landing and movement of troops, equipment and supplies to the beach.
It was while Ken was in the Navy where he gave his heart to Jesus and was called by the Lord to serve in the ministry. During his Navy service, he attended the Richmond School of Religion and Phillips College of the Bible. He was later ordained in the Church of Christ. Ken served the ministry throughout the years working at churches and mission groups. Ken was also the juvenile chaplain for Summit County Sherriff’s Department and was the youth minister for North Industry Christian Church. He developed Christian materials and booklets for the youth.
Ken graduated with three degrees, including his bachelor’s and master’s degree, from The University of Akron. He received his doctorate in counseling through the University of Notre Dame, Graduate Theological. He took law school classes at The University of Akron and medical school classes at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine.
Ken went through the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. His plan was to serve the ministry in law enforcement. Ken was sent to work at The University of Akron security under a special joint program with the state.
While at The University of Akron, the police department sent Ken to a sign language class that was offered as a pilot program to learn some basic signs to communicate with the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. It was during the first sign language class, that he fell in love at first sight with the instructor, Karen Dixon. He knew that he was going to marry her. Karen was the founder and associate professor and coordinator for the American Sign Language Interpreting and Transliterating program at The University of Akron.
Ken always joked that he married his college professor. He was married for over 51 years to the love of his life and best friend. Karen’s passions also became Ken’s passions and they worked together to advocate for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. He was part of a state task force to help change and implement disability laws.
Ken was very caring, and he had the biggest heart. He would do anything for his family and friends. He was their biggest supporter. Ken always thought of others first, he never complained, and you always felt Ken’s love. He will be greatly missed. We will hold onto our memories with him and cherish them forever.
Ken is survived by his wife Karen and their two daughters, Kerri (Matthew Hammond) and Julie. Julie was daddy’s girl, and they had a special bond between them that was only theirs. Ken had the opportunity to live in Florida with his daughters and family and he was very close with his son-in-law Matt and his two grandsons, Andrew and Grayson. Andrew and Grayson adored their grandpa, just as much as he adored them, giving each other endless hugs and smiles.
Ken is also survived by his children Kenneth Mitchell Turner (Etta), Kristine Willhite (Jerry), and was proceeded in death by his son Douglas Turner. He is survived by his grandchildren Kenneth M. Turner, Jr. (Amanda), Theresa Elkins (Jon), Ryan Turner (Kelly), Joshua Filhour, Bethany Stimens (Ben), and Forrest Filhour (Marianna). He is also survived by his great-grandchildren.
Ken is proceeded in death by his brother David, and survived by his brothers Donald (Connie), Dennis (Beckie), and sister Diane Boswell. He is also survived by his best friend from childhood, Dr. David Hughes, with whom he considered as another brother to him. He is survived by many nieces and nephews and other family members and close friends who were all special to him.