Bernard G. Turner

Bernard Gayle Turner, 77, retired educator and instructor of Three Rivers Community College of Poplar Bluff died Thursday, May 20, 2010, at The Cedargate in Poplar Bluff.

Mr. Turner was born Sept. 15, 1932 in Stockton. He was an active member and deacon of First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff where he was a member of the Anglers Sunday School Class and a volunteer in the Christian Life Center. During his earlier career years he taught and served as principal at Twin Rivers Schools in Fisk and most recently had retired from Three Rivers Community College after 31 years of service. Mr. Turner was past president of Southeast Ozark Mental Health Center and was a veteran of the U. S. Army having served during the Korean Conflict. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and following their sporting activities and was an avid fan and booster of the Three Rivers Raiders and Poplar Bluff Mules.

On July 27, 1957 he married Betty Felts in Poplar Bluff. She survives.

Other survivors include his children, Gayla Fritts and her husband Bud, and Brian Turner and his wife Diana all of Poplar Bluff; grandchildren, Jamie Fritts and Turner Fritts both of Poplar Bluff; sister, Irene Turner of Salem; sister-in-law, Carolyn Felts of Poplar Bluff; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, Earl and Florence Turner, infant son, Bernard Turner, Jr., sister, Hazel Williams, and brothers, Delmer Turner and Homer Turner preceded him in death.

The family will receive and visit with friends from 2 - 4 p.m. Sunday at the First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church with Dr. William Vail officiating. Burial will follow at the City Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.

The family has requested memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimers Association, St. Louis Chapter, 9374 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132 or to the First Baptist Church ""Now and Forever Campaign,"" 551 North Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

Family and friends may share an online condolences or memory at: www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.

Cotrell Funeral Service of Poplar Bluff is in charge of the arrangements.