La Grande, Oregon
Don D. Turner, known as “Coach D,” 76, formerly of La Grande, died April 18 at his home in Bella Vista, Ark.
A memorial service will be conducted Wednesday in Bella Vista.
Mr. Turner was born Dec. 12, 1930, to Ralph H. and Ella (Jebb) Turner in Monmouth, Ill. In his youth he broke and trained horses and gave riding lessons for the Turner family horse business.
He served in the Air Force from 1948 to 1951 and was in the reserves until 1955. He graduated from Monmouth College with a bachelor’s degree in 1956 and from Illinois State University with a master’s degree in 1960.
He dedicated his life to teaching, coaching and mentoring players and students.
Throughout his life he coached football, wrestling, track and baseball and taught English literature, health and P.E. He was athletic director and/or coach and professor at numerous high schools and universities, including Eastern Oregon University; led the Birmingham England Bulls to the BAFA League Championship; and coached the Bellingham, Wash., Eagles in a semi-professional league.
Coach D was a life member of the American Football Coaches Association, Who’s Who, VFW and numerous community and volunteer organizations.
Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Louise Turner of Bella Vista; brother and sister-in-law, Wendell and Lila Turner of Magnolia, Texas; sons, Steve Turner and Greg Turner and his wife, Krista, of La Grande; stepchildren and their spouses, Bill Barrett of Springfield, Ill., Brad and Medilyn Barrett of Seattle, Julie and Jim Kieffer of Nevada, Iowa, and Laura Becker of Dubuque, Iowa; and nine grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Youth Program at The Bella Vista Community Church, 75 E. Lancashire Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. 72714; to the Athletic Program at Monmouth College, 700 E. Broadway, Monmouth, Ill. 61462; or to the Washington Regional Hospice, 34 W. Colt Square, Suite #1, Fayetteville, Ark. 72703.
The Observer – Obituaries for the week ending April 28, 2007 Published: April 28, 2007