Earl Turner

Earl Turner, 80, passed away Monday, March 23, 2009, at home, in the company of his family. Earl was born in Oklahoma City, Okla., in March 1929 to Thomas and Essie May Turner, the eleventh of 13 children.

At the age of six, Earl and his family moved to Santa Ana, Calif., where he graduated from Santa Ana High School in 1947. He served his country as Command Master Sgt. with the 40th Infantry Division California National Guard in Korea and Japan during the Korean War.

After he returned to California Earl met and married Mar Lee Munger. They were married in 1954 and remained in love until Earl's death. They raised two children, Boyd and Gail. Boyd married Kathleen Clary, and they have two children, Scott and Heather. Gail married Ron Lovely, and they have two sons, Sam and Alex.

While Boyd and Gail were growing up Earl was involved with Boy Scouts of America and was Deacon of Morningside Presbyterian Church in Fullerton, Calif. He enjoyed visiting his grandchildren and taking them deep sea fishing and camping.

He and Mar Lee traveled extensively in their fifth-wheel trailer and visited much of North America. Earl and Mar Lee's love of travel lead them to adventures on six continents.

Earl became the head grocery buyer for Alpha Beta Grocery Markets in Southern California, where he was a legend in the grocery industry for his honesty and mentorship of others. During those years he was also president of the Alpha Beta Employees Credit Union.

Earl retired in 1984, and in 1991 he and Mar Lee moved to Morro Bay. Earl was an avid golfer until his illness finally kept him from the course.

He was a charter member of the Dairy Creek Golf Club and a regular at the Morro Bay Golf course, where he particularly enjoyed Thursday outings with the Benskin Bunch. Earl also enjoyed a friendly game of poker, including a regular weekly game with close friends.

Earl's family invites all of his many friends to a celebration of his life at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2009, at the Bay View Room of the Morro Bay Golf Course, where a deli luncheon will be available and stories of Earl shared.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, 277 South St. Ste. R, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.