Charles Lowell Turner

Charles Lowell Turner, 74, passed peacefully in his sleep at his home in Ken- newick, WA on November 5, 2012.

One of five children, he was born on September 16, 1938 to Lloyd & Margaret Burnell Turner in Dayton, WA. He spent his early youth in the Turner area and attended Dayton schools, where he graduated in 1956. He participated in basket- ball, 4-H and FFA where he was awarded a State Farmer degree.

In May of 1957, his father Lloyd Turner was killed in a farming accident and in June of that year Chuck took over the family farm.

June 9, 1957 Chuck mar- ried his high school sweet- heart, Patricia Price. They made their home at Covello, WA. After their son Jeff was born, they moved to Poul- son Rd, Columbia County, where they welcomed their daughters Connie and Lisa. In the Spring of 1968, after building a new house, they moved the family to Dayton.

Chuck and Trish were involved in several orga- nizations. They served as co-chairmans of paramutual betting for Dayton Days and they also served as fair court chaperones while on the Columbia County Fair Board. As a member of the Blue Mountain Snowmobile Club, Chuck served as presi- dent. Also Chuck and Trish were charter founders of the Washington State Snowmo- bile Association, where he served two years as president and two years as vice presi- dent. They enjoyed many winter trips to West Yellow- stone and Jackson Hole, WY snowmobiling with friends. They were actively involved in Columbia County 4-H and FFA, which they passed down to their children and grandchildren. He served 29 years with the Columbia County Fire District #3 and 13 years as the Chief. He was also involved with the Columbia County Law & Order Committee, the Eagles 2618, and the Elks 287. He was also a director for the Columbia County Grain Growers. Chuck and Trish spent many years volunteer- ing working at Camp Woo- ten making improvements and getting the camp ready for campers. He and Trish were also active in many bowling leagues in Dayton. Chuck was very involved in the Washington State Grange Association. He and Trish were chosen as the National Young Couple of the Year in 1972 and in 1973 he was elected State Steward and served until 1983. He served as master for the local grange 1034 and also served as master for the Columbia County Pamona.

In January 1981, his wife Trish of 24 years passed away from complications of MS.

July 16 of 1983, he mar- ried Nancy Wade and wel- comed her three daughters Kellie, Michelle and Jeni into the family.

Chuck continued farming until 1988, when he sold the farm. At that time, Chuck and Nancy decided to pursue Bumpercrop, a family owned business making and market- ing sweet hot mustard, cake in a cup and fudge. They expanded the business to include accounts such as QVC, WalMart, Sam's Club, Costco and many small spe- cialty shops and restaurants.

Also in 1988, Chuck and Jeff started Equipment Setup Specialists, assembling new farm equipment for agricul- tural dealerships around the Pacific Northwest.

Chuck and Nancy moved to Waterville, WA in 1990 where he assumed manage- ment duties of Big Bend Equipment, a Case IH agricultural dealership while Nancy continued developing Bumpercrop products. In 1991, with the expansion of Bumpercrop, Chuck and Nancy moved the business back to Dayton where they continued until 1999, at which time they sold Bum- percrop and moved to Hen- derson, NV.

After spending a brief period of time in Henderson, they moved to Kennewick, WA, where he started with Sojourn Enterprises, Inc.

In October of 2001 he went to work for Ron Wil- liams of Wheco until the time of his death.

When Chuck wasn't working, he was spending time in the mountains hunting with friends and fam- ily, picking huckleberries for pies and jams, snowmobil- ing, camping, backpacking in the Wenaha. Chuck loved to watch his kids and grandkids show their livestock at the fair, which was a long time family tradition that he start- ed when he was in school. Chuck also enjoyed watching his grandkids play sports.

Chuck is best known for his contagious smile and his quick wit. His willingness to lend a helping hand is a trait that will never be forgotten by his friends and family.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 28 years, Nancy, at their home in Kennewick. One son Jeff Turner of Day- ton, wife Shannon, children Ryan, Tyler, Stephanie and Garett. Two daughters - Con- nie Turner of Cedar Hill, TX, husband Daniel, children Marco, Claudia, Brandon and Devin. Lisa Benzel of Dayton, husband Bob, children Jaci, Trisha, Austin and Grant. Three Step-Daugh- ters - Kellie Glorfield of St. John, husband Rob, children Lane and Abby. Michelle Shoun of Dayton, husband Steve, and children Sierra and Cheyenne. Jeni Richie of Starbuck and children Elsie and Monte. And three great granddaughters, Mackenzie, Kyndahl and Ella. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings and his wife Trish.

A Celebration of Life was held on Monday, Novem- ber 12, 2012 at 11:00 am at the Hubbard-Rogg Funeral Home in Dayton with a reception following at the Sen- eca Activity Center. Marty Hall will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dayton Volunteer Fire- fighters Association or the Dayton High School Alumni Association.