Armell Richard “Rich” Turner, 70, of Dripping Springs, Texas, passed away on November 9, 2026. Born on July 15, 1956, in San Antonio, Texas, Rich lived a life defined by devotion to his family, a commitment to lifelong learning, and decades of service to his country.
At 16 years old, Rich’s strong work ethic showed early in his career with H-E-B across Eagle Pass, Laredo, Uvalde and Rio Grand City, where he started as a bagger and worked his way up through the ranks within 9 years to become a Store Director before deciding to enter active duty in the United States Air Force. He went on to proudly serve 20 years in the United States Air Force before continuing his career in federal civil service, holding financial management and leadership roles at installations worldwide.
Prior to his retirement in 2025, his dedication and excellence were recognized with the Civilian Achievement Award, Civilian of the Year honors, and the Air Education and Training Command Outstanding Budget Airman of the Year award. Alongside his career, Rich pursued higher education with remarkable drive—earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree Magna Cum laude (May 2000) and a Master’s of Science degree (May 2003) in Computer Information Systems from Regis University, as well as a Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership (April 2014) from the University of Phoenix. Driven by a passion for leadership and sharing his expertise, he also taught evening college classes part-time after earning his master’s degree until 2010.
Beginning his career in Texas, his military and civil service took him and his family to Randolph AFB, TX; Lackland AFB, TX, Spangdahlem AB, Germany; Air Force Academy, CO; Hickam AFB, HI; Laughlin AFB, TX and the Pentagon before he returned to Texas to retire from his career in civil service. In Dripping Springs, he enjoyed the slower pace of retirement cycling, watching movies, reading, listening to music like his beloved Tejano indulging his love of history, and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Armell Rex and Edelmira Turner, and his siblings, Sarah Patricia, Gerald Rex and Alton Gordon.
Rich’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Aida Turner; his children, Armell Robert Turner (Maribell), Laura Malnar (John), Joseph Turner (Yuri), Brenda Ann Turner, and Joe Rodriguez (Jessalyn); his sister, Elizabeth Turner; numerous nieces and nephews; and his seven beloved grandchildren, Evan, Samuel, Jackson, Julian, Violet, Archer, and Autumn.
Rich will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who loved him.
