Dr. Kenneth Turner

Dr. Kenneth Turner was born June 17, 1935 in South Bend, Indiana, to Oscar and Laverne Turner. He passed away on Friday, April 12, 2019.

Ken served in the United States Navy during the Korean War as a sonar man on the USS Seafox. He married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth Ann Hughes, and they loved each other for over 60 years until her death in 2017.

He graduated in 1963 from Indiana University as a Doctor of Optometry, and he dedicated the rest of his life, with passion, to his profession.

An avid outdoorsman, he loved his community, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Ken was a musician/singer/actor in local productions, and most especially in his church. He sang in the choir at First United Methodist Church for over 45 years. He was a youth group leader and a Sunday school teacher. Ken was the "voice of the Hilltoppers", announcing football games every Friday night for over 20 years.

Ken dedicated his life, and love, to his family, and is survived by three children: Lynn Turner of Brevard, NC, Jeff, and wife Jan, of Belmont, NC, and Greg, and wife Brooke of Rutherfordton. Two Sisters Sue Mullins, and Pam Shafer, and husband Billy, both of Indiana. Seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many beloved extended family members survive him.

The life of Ken was honored by a receiving of the friends at the Fellowship Center of the First United Methodist Church in Rutherfordton, service followed in the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the choir of the First United Methodist Church in Rutherfordton, or Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City, NC.

Crowe's Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.