Hugh Lloyd Turner

A resident of Baton Rouge, died Thursday, Nov. 2, 2006, at the age of 96, just short of the 100-year mark he had hoped to attain. He was still active and continuing as the Scripture reader for his class atBroadmoorBaptistChurch, which will honor him with his final service on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m., conducted by Dr. John Goodwin. Interment atGreenoaksMemorial Park. Visiting with the family will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Friday, Nov. 10, from 6 p.m.to 9 p.m.Visiting resumes at the church after 10 a.m.Saturday. A native of Vernon Parish, near Leesville, he grew up on a farm. When he was 4 years old, his brother started to go to school. Hugh wanted so badly to go with him that his parents agreed. He graduated fromBellevueHigh Schoolwhen he was 15. He and Myrtle Anderson, who was a resident of Oakdale, were married May 27, 1931, in Leesville. She preceded him in death in 1989. After jobs in grocery stores and the railroad, in 1938 he came to Baton Rouge, where his first job was in construction, helping to place stone atop theStateOfficeBuildingacross from the Capitol. He soon began work at Standard Oil (now ExxonMobil) and remembered riding his bicycle to work daily from his north Baton Rougehome. He missed the military but not the war effort as he had a military exemption for essential war production and worked extended hours during World War II. He retired in 1974 as a supervisor in the lubricating department. Readingand music were lifelong hobbies. He supported and attended the Louisiana Sinfonietta, Baton Rouge Symphony and music programs in his community. For many years he sang in his church choir. Many of his hobbies started with his enthusiastic support of his family member's activities. After his marriage, he learned to play the clarinet so he and his wife could play together. He encouraged his children in their activities, ranging from insect collecting to music and acting. He loved to travel with family or church friends and his contagious enthusiasm made him a welcome part of any trip. A lifelong Baptist, Turner and his family had been active inEmmanuelBaptistChurch,North HighlandsChurchand in later years, Broadmoor Baptist. He continued to serve in volunteer work at the church until his death. He was active as well in weekly exercise sessions at the YMCA and in interactions with the neighbors of all ages, especially James and Pat Tassin and the John Baker family, who helped him when he needed it and gave his life a rich meaning. Survivors include his two daughters and their families, Carolyn and Thomas DeWolfe of Hampden Sydney, Va., and Margaret and Carroll Smith ofAlexander, N.C.; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. His family and a host of friends will miss his curiosity, his zest for living and his homemade mayhaw jelly and fig preserves. Memorial gifts may be given to the Broadmoor Baptist Church Music Program, 9755 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA70815or to Louisiana Sinfonietta, P.O. Box 20730, Baton Rouge, LA70894.