TURNER, Lyle Eugene

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, AZ Wednesday, November 30, 2011 Lyle Eugene Turner, 93 Lyle Eugene Turner, born June 30, 1918 in Miami, Ariz., passed away peacefully Nov. 20, 2011 in Escondido, Calif. with his son and a daughter at his side. The younger son of long-time Mayor Arthur and Blanche Turner of Miami, Ariz., Lyle was an accomplished athlete in his youth, worked in the family businesses, the Pure Food Café, Turner Stone Motel and service station. As a teenager, along with his brother Leyton, he learned to fly. He attended the University of Arizona and became a flight instructor during World War II. He married his high school sweetheart, LaVerne Davis, in 1940 and joined American Airlines where he rose to the rank of Captain. He was honored to captain the inaugural flight of the new Douglas DC 10 between Los Angeles and Chicago. Lyle and LaVerne lived for many years in Michigan where they raised their children, Linda, Gary and Laurel before transferring to Los Angeles and making their home in Los Alamitos. In 1978, after 34 years with American Airlines, Lyle retired and the couple moved to Escondido, enjoying many years of travel, golf and visits with grandchildren, Christine and Tim, Greg, Jordan and Mackenzie. Lyle continued to win golf trophies well into his 80’s and was an active volunteer for over 25 years at the Elizabeth Hospice Thrift Shop, later St. Vincent de Paul, in Escondido where he was an indefatigable jack of all trades. For the past 10 years he enjoyed living at Redwood Terrace in Escondido, following the death of his wife in 2001. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren Kendall, Colton and Cody and his nephew, Ronald Turner. Lyle’s life spanned an extraordinary century and he exemplified the very best of its values. The legacy he leaves us is one of humility, integrity, curiosity and learning, good humor, generosity and caring for others. He earned the respect and affection of everyone who knew him and the love of his family through three generations. Donations in his memory can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop, 1005 S. Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025, or to Redwood Terrace, 710 W. 13th, Escondido, CA 92025, attention Marsha Bryan. Condolences to the family can be sent to Redwood Terrace. In keeping with his wishes, no memorial service is planned.