Dorman Burnell Turnipseed

Dorman Turnipseed was born in Altoona, Kansas on Sept. 22, 1917, and died at home on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, at age 96. Dorman worked in the Central Intelligence Division during World War II where as part of the air defense squadron he was dropped behind enemy lines at Normandy. He also served in intelligence during the Korean War and was a member of the local Korean veteran’s organization, ROOPS. He worked as a Fresno County deputy sheriff until he decided that he would rather teach kids than arrest them. During his 30 year teaching career, Dorman was active in both the Fresno Teachers’ Association and California Retired Teachers Association. He was also active with his sons in the scouts and was moderator for the Great Books Club. At age 38, he converted to Catholicism and was a very spiritual man. Upon retirement, he was an avid fisherman and gardener.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Anna; his daughter Kathleen Turnipseed; daughter Deborah Burchfield and her husband David; and three sons: Don, Bart, and Mike Turnipseed; grandchildren Patrick Turnipseed, Nicole Turnipseed, Amanda Bridges, Sarah Cromer, David Burchfield, and Rachel Jackson; and their spouses; great-grandchildren Nicolas Bridges, Anna Bridges, Ajanna Cromer, Gabriel Cromer, Mia Cromer, Isaiah Cromer, Callie Burchfield, Terry Hicks, and Alex Hicks; and a large extended family.

Dorman was preceded in death by his parents Burnell and Myrtle Turnipseed, and his brother Donald Turnipseed.

Visitation will be held at the Shrine of St. Therese Catholic Church on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Shrine of St. Therese Catholic Church on Thursday, February 13, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.

Remembrances may be sent to the California Retired Teachers Association, 3930 E. Saginaw Way, Fresno, CA 93726 or Saint Agnes Home Health & Hospice 6729 North Willow Avenue, Suite 10, Fresno, CA 93710.