Dr. Donald G Turner

LEXINGTON - Dr. Donald G. Turner, PhD, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of South Carolina passed away on July 29, 2016 in his home in Columbia after having lived in Lexington County for more than four decades. Don was born in Walton, Indiana on February 13, 1926. His parents, who preceded him in death, were Schuyler A. “Coonie” Turner and Frances Kramer Turner, both of Walton. He was preceded in death by his only brother, William K. “Bill” Turner, of Logansport, Indiana. After graduating from Walton High School in 1944, Don entered active duty in the U.S. Army Air Corps. While stationed at Scott Air Field in Illinois, he met his wife Elizabeth “Betty” Dinter at the USO in St. Louis, MO. They fell in love and were married on April 12, 1947.

After his military service, Don joined the Forty and Eight and the American Legion. He was a charter member of the Walton Post of the American Legion, and he maintained that membership for 69 years.

Don studied at Butler University in Indianapolis and was awarded his Bachelor of Science degree in English Education and Latin from Washington University, St. Louis in 1950, completing a four-year curriculum in three years. He taught school in central Indiana, during which time he earned his Master’s Degree in English Education and his PhD in School Administration from Purdue University at Lafayette, Indiana. Don enjoyed a distinguished career in Education spanning nearly 40 years. During that time he was a classroom teacher, student publications supervisor, high school principal, curriculum coordinator, college professor, faculty advisor and Assistant Dean of Education. He enjoyed the universal respect of his students and his peers. He taught school in Indiana, California and South Carolina and he co-authored two textbooks on school law with his son, J. Robin Turner. While he attended classes and taught school, Don also worked at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis and as a carpenter to support his growing family.

Retiring from the University of South Carolina in 1988, Don had more time to enjoy golf and his friendships at Mid-Carolina Country Club and at the Country Club of Lexington. He liked to fresh water fish and, most of all, enjoyed playing golf with his sons, grandson and friends. His several holes-in-one were among his many remarkable achievements.

Surviving Don are his wife of 69 years, Betty Turner, and his loving children: daughter, Donna Eyster (Dr. Jim Eyster) of Oxford, NC; and sons, Kevin Turner (Darla Robertson) of Fishers, IN; J. Robin “Rob” Turner of Columbia, SC; and David Turner (Diane Cannon) of Newport News, VA. Don and Betty were blessed with 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and dear friends Mary Diepolder of Columbia and Richard and Margaret Burnett of Lexington. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, colleagues and students.

Visitation will be held at Caughman Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel, 503 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC on Thursday, August 4, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Lexington United Methodist Church, 309 E. Main Street, Lexington, on Friday, August 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., with burial at Bush Gardens Memorial Cemetery. Friends and family will gather at the church following burial.