Lavern "Vern" Turner

LAVERN (VERN) TURNER
Early the morning of May 13, 2015, Lavern (Vern) Turner, age 73, lost his seven year fight with Parkinson's disease. Vern was an award winning principal at Cook's Corner Elementary School in Valparaiso, IN for 34 school years. He was known for his love of education and the schools mantra "Thumbs Up!" Vern was a very positive person who battled Parkinson's with courage, humor and grace never losing his love for life. Vern was a veteran of the United States Air Force serving as a Captain during the Vietnam Conflict. He earned degrees from Michigan State, Purdue, and Indiana University. He was a member of Kiwanis, Indiana Principals Association, National Principals Association, First United Methodist Church of Valparaiso, IN, Sunday school teacher, Cub Scout leader, Boys Club, coach of soccer and basketball and a basketball referee. Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence L. and Lucy L. Turner. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Kellie and their three children, Kimberly, Kyle and Scott. Vern's family and friends will always remember him as a passionate father, coach and fisherman. A Celebration of Vern's life was held at Jubilee Los Lunas. In lieu of flowers, our dad's wishes were to continue to fight to find a cure through the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Donations in his honor can be made at: michaeljfox.org/tribute/tribute-page.php?id=14400. Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Los Lunas Chapel, 2211-D Main St., (505) 866-9992, where an online guest register is available at: www.noblinfuneral service.com