Obituary of Dr. Donald W. Turner

Dr. Donald W. Turner, D.D.S., Captain, U.S. Navy (ret), PhD, passed away April 23, 2021. Born January 24, 1931 to Glenn and Helen (nee Kuhn), in St. Louis, MO. Preceded in death by loving wife Mary Ellen Turner (nee Shaughnessy), and daughter Joan Turner. Loving husband of Gail Turner (nee Erickson); loving father of Ann Johnson (nee Turner), Glenn, Thomas, Mark, and Timothy Turner; loving grandfather of 9, great-grandfather of 4.

Donald graduated from St. Mary's High School and attended St. Louis University on a two-year baseball scholarship. While earning money to continue his education, Donald was drafted by the U.S. Army where he served in Korea as a combat medic. After his service, Donald finished his bachelor's degree before attending Washington University where he earned a Doctorate of Dental Surgery. After opening a private dental practice in Mexico, MO, he opted to take a commission in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the Dental Corps. He served in Vietnam as the officer in charge of the Dental Clinic, Fifth Marine Regiment. Upon his return from Vietnam, Commander Turner was assigned to the Naval Medical Research Institute. It was at this duty station where he earned his PhD in Microbiology and achieved the rank of Captain. He was transferred to the Great Lakes Naval Station where he became the commanding officer of the Naval Dental Research Institute. During his years of service in the military, Captain Turner was awarded the Bronze Star with combat V while serving in Vietnam.

Following his distinguished 20-year career as a Naval Officer, Donald took a position at Northwestern University in Chicago as a professor of dentistry and periodontal surgery where he enjoyed a true passion of teaching his trade.

Donald was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, a skilled wooden ship model builder, a great story teller, questionable pie maker, and passionate Civil War historian. He was a wonderful husband, father, and friend to many.

Fair Winds and Following Seas, Captain.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 27, 2021 from 4:00-8:00PM at McMurrough Funeral Chapel, 101 Park Place, Libertyville, IL, 60048. 

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30AM Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 121 E. Maple Ave, Libertyville, IL, 60048. Those wishing to attend the Mass are asked to please pre register at https://stjoseph.ivolunteer.com/funeralapril28

Interment with military honors will take place Friday, April 30, 2021 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.

For more information, please call (847) 362-2626.