Walter Edward Turner, Sr.

Walter Edward Turner, Sr. was born to Walter Turner and Mamie Bryant on December 4, 1938 in Carlisle, Ky. Following an extended illness, Walter departed this earthly life and entered into eternal rest on January 10, 2021 at Memorial Hospital of South Bend.

As a young man, Walter and his family moved from Kentucky to Florida then to South Bend. He attended South Bend Schools and concluded his matriculation at South Bend Washington High School. Shortly after high school, Walter was employed at AM General and retired from there in 1996 after 30 plus years.

Walter was most definitely a sports fan and he absolutely loved to listen to the blues. His two favorite teams to follow were the Chicago Bears and Notre Dame. While in high school, he played football for SB Washington Panthers.

Walter and Florine Murphy entered into holy matrimony on August 6, 1966 and welcomed a son, Walter Turner, Jr.

Walter was a devoted member of the Elks Lodge #298 in South Bend, for more than 30 years. He spent a great deal of time with his lodge “family”. He spoke very fondly of the friendships he developed over the years with many of his lodge mates. He was said to be a mentor to many people over the years.

Walter was an avid traveler. He especially loved to travel to Kentucky for the Derby, Michigan for the Blues Fest, Cincinnati, OH, Lexington, KY, and Louisville, KY to visit with extended family. Included in his travels were trips to casinos in Tupelo, MS, New Orleans, LA, Las Vegas, NV, and Detroit, MI. Unfortunately, his last year of travel was in 2014 due to health reasons.

Walter was a very sweet and quiet gentleman. He was a very generous person, also. He, especially, loved his family. You would hear him speak very fondly of them. He was the type of person who would do anything for anyone. He never met a stranger and most definitely will be missed. He most definitely loved to cook whenever he was able.

Walter leaves to cherish his memory, a devoted Son, Walter Turner, Jr., (South Bend, IN); Grandson, Isaiah Turner (Mishawaka, IN); Brother, Charles Griffin (Stacey), (South Bend, IN); Sister-in-law, Amanda Griffin, (South Bend, IN); Nephew, James Michael Griffin, Jr. (Minda), (Goshen, IN); Great Nephew, Jaelon Griffin, (Memphis, TN); Nieces, LaTonya Michelle Griffin, (South Bend, IN), Tasha Griffin, (South Bend, IN), Jayne Griffin, (LaPorte, IN), and Elaine Griffin, (South Bend, IN);and Florine Mitchell (South Bend, IN) along with a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins and life-long friends.

Walter was preceded in death by his Father, Walter Turner Sr.; Mother, Mamie Bryant Griffin; Brothers, Charles Turner and James Michael Griffin, Sr.; and a Son, Murphy Lee Smith.

Special Acknowledgement and Appreciation to Sister-in-lawn Amanda, Nephew, James Michael, Jr., and Niece, LaTonya Michelle, Elks Lodge #298 and every friend and family member who called, thought about us, or prayed for us during this time of bereavement.

A visitation for family & friends will be held 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm Wednesday, January 13, 2021 in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Rd.

Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.

9/1/2021 EJS