Scott Turner

Scott L. Turner, 57, of Springfield, died at 9:25 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2004 at St. John’s Hospice in Springfield. He was born on August 8, 1946 in Portland, Oregon, son of Charles Robert and Vernie Pauline Duncan Turner. Mr. Turner was a 1964 graduate of Carlinville High School and held an Associates of Art Degree in Commercial Art from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a Bachelor of Art from the University of Illinois at Springfield. He was Studio Assistant in the pottery program at Sangamon State University at Edwards Place Pottery/Ceramics Studio in Springfield; studied live figure drawing under Ruskin Spear, Royal Academy of Art in London, England; studied English Art and Architecture at the University of Illinois in Springfield and London England. He was employed as a Graphic Artist by the Illinois Department of Revenue, Mapping Division for 17 years and was self-employed as an artist. Mr. Turner’s art works were exhibited at the Illinois State Museum, Old State Capitol Art Fair, Edwards Place Art Gallery and Jacey Gallery in London, England. He had three limited edition prints and three open edition prints published; was honored with commissions to do portraits for Otto Kerner, former governor of Illinois; Bart Starr, former quarterback and Paul Hornung, former fullback both of the Green Bay Packers; and numerous corporate figures including Channel 20 News Anchor, Don Hickman. His most significant artistic achievements were the design of the current State Seal, design of the Illinois State Flag, and a portrait of Abraham Lincoln which is owned by Pope John Paul II. In his studies and travels, he met the Archbishop of Canterbury, and visited the private studio of sculptor Henry Moore. He toured Europe, visiting all major art museums in search of paintings by Rembrandt van Rijn and other old masters and lived in London, England studying, painting and exhibiting his works. Scott L. Turner was a member of the Springfield Area Arts Council; Portrait Society of America and the First Baptist Church in Palmyra, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Craig Turner; and nephew, Randy Scott Giger. He is survived by his sister, Lynne C. Rouse (husband, Leon); two nieces: Rhonda Clemons and Missy Hubbard (husband, Ron); two great nieces: Nicci Clemons and Morgan Hubbard all of Springfield. Friends may call from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2004 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2004 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home with Charles L. Lee officiating. Committal services will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in Palmyra, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Hospital Hospice Program, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62702. The family of Scott L. Turner is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.