Max E. Turner

Max was born on July 24, 1937, in Danville, Illinois, the son of Charles and Virgil Turner. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Lyle Turner. At the age of three, Max’s family moved to Joliet, Illinois, where he later attended Joliet Township High School, graduating in 1956.

After high school, Max worked at the Joliet Arsenal as a technical illustrator. In April 1957, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving until 1961. Upon his return, he resumed work at the Arsenal until 1968. That same year, he joined the Illinois State Police, graduating from the ISP Academy in January 1969. Max was first assigned to District 5 before transferring in 1980 to Springfield, where he served in Executive Security at the Governor’s Mansion. In 1982, he was assigned as travel security for then-Secretary of State, Jim Edgar. Max was promoted to Sergeant in 1985 and retired from the ISP in1992. He continued serving his community as Court Security at the Federal Courthouse in Springfield for 11 years, retiring again in 2009.

Max married Simone Vaught, and together they raised three children: Lori Shull (Ed), Bill Turner, and Larry Turner (Alicia). Although their marriage ended in divorce, Max and Simone continued to share a lifelong, respectful friendship. Max was blessed with grandchildren, Bob Daggett, Jenora Ward, and Samantha Shelton, and great-grandchildren: Ryder, Lily, Athena, Phoenix, Charlotte, Bristol, Madison, Joseph, Jadon, and Jonathon.

For nearly forty years, Max shared his life with his loving wife, Sheri. Together they built a blended family, including children, Jamie Daley (Mindy), Jen Daley (whom Max affectionately called ‘Jen Dog’), and Jonathan Daley (Angela); and grandchildren, Frankie Kulavic, Nolan Kulavic, Jack Kulavic, Katie Daley, and Liz Daley. He also leaves behind his faithful four-legged companion, Ruby, who rarely left his side.

Max lived a full and active life. He loved and owned horses and enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, golfing, woodworking, motorcycle riding, and leatherworking, crafting cowboy boots, hats, and watches with care and skill. He was especially proud of achieving three holes-in-one on the golf course and looked forward each year to his annual golf trip to Goose Pond, Alabama with friends, a tradition that lasted 28 years. A member of the Gold Wing Riders of Springfield, Max found great joy in riding motorcycles and owned several throughout his life. He was also a lifelong and devoted Chicago Cubs fan. Max loved margaritas and was renowned among friends for crafting the perfect ones from scratch, earning him the affectionate nickname, “Margarita Max.”

Max will be remembered as an honest, loving, and patient man of integrity. He was deeply devoted to his family, his many friends, and his loyal dog Ruby, who was with him at his passing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Buffalo Hart Presbyterian Church.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Services will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery on October 7, 2025, at 1:00 in the afternoon. Friends are invited to join the family in celebrating Max’s remarkable life.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.