Harold Wendell Turner Jr.'s Obituary
Harold W. Turner, 67, beloved husband, father, friend and super fan, was born January 1st, 1948, in Independence, Ks to Mr. and Mrs. Harold and Ruby Turner. At the age of 4 when his mother died, his grandmother Grace Turner raised him in Chanute.
Harold graduated from Chanute High School in 1965. In 1967, he received a basketball scholarship from Neosho County Junior College. He was an outstanding player and one of the hometown favorites. After graduating from Neosho County Junior College with an Associate of Arts Degree, he received a basketball scholarship to play for McPherson College in McPherson, Ks. He was a high scoring basketball scholarship player and a fierce competitor which earned his high esteem in college basketball. Harold had many friends and fans and was a people’s person. He coached many recreational league teams in baseball and basketball. He was a true Chanute citizen in every aspect of the word and loved the people and his hometown.
Harold confessed his belief in Christ at a young age at Grant Chapel AME Church and supported this church in many ways mostly behind the scene. He was a man of action and not of words. After Grant Chapel closed, he united with New Hope Baptist Church.
In 1973 Harold met the love of his life and married Sandra Boyd on May 25th 1973. They were married 42 years.
NCCC honored Harold for his greatness in basketball by naming their All Star Game, “The Harold Turner All-Star Game.” The college also established the “Harold Turner Endowed Scholarship” for Panther Basketball. Harold was an avid basketball fan at NCCC and even had his own comfortable recliner to sit in at the games next to the coaches and players. Most people would see Harold at most if not all of the college and high school sporting events and the players had lots of respect for him.
Harold’s early work included P.E teacher for Lincoln Elementary. He also worked for The Chanute Tribune as a pressman and later in life he had his own janitorial company which included employment at Bank of Commerce as well as several other businesses. He also worked for Sears during the same time.
On the afternoon of August 4th 2015, with all of his family around him he made his transition to eternal life.
Although his passing leaves a huge void, vivid memories of Harold will live on forever.
He will sadly be missed by his loving wife, Sandra (Sandy) Turner, his loving children, Karlas Bossell, Anthony Turner, Sonia Turner(De’Juan), Tonia Turner, his sisters Veronica McNeal and Gracella Jackson(Lonnie), Stepmother Stella Turner, Mother-In-Law Maxine Boyd, Brother-in-laws Dale Boyd, Robert Boyd, Tony Boyd, 3 grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving relatives and friends.
Harold was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Turner, his father Harold Turner Sr., his sister Princess Pulley, sister-in-law Candy Boyd, his grandmother Grace Turner, Uncles Don and Charlie Turner and Aunt Sue Turner.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Neosho County Community College Gymnasium in Chanute, KS.
Family requests memorials to the Harold Turner Memorial to help out with expenses and may be given to or mailed to Countryside Funeral Home at 101 N. Highland, Chanute, KS.
Countryside Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.
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