Ian Turner

1946 - 2016

Dr. Ian Bruce Turner

LAFAYETTE - Dr. Ian Bruce Turner, age 70, passed away peacefully at home Tuesday night, August 9, 2016. The Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2016 in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Zach Sasser and Dr. Mickey Byrd officiating. An extended prelude will begin at 10:45. A reception at the church will follow the service. A Memorial Service will also be held in Bloomington, IN on September 24, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church with interment following at a later date in Saybrook, IL at Greenwood Cemetery.

Dr. Turner is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sylvia Warren Turner. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sue Ann Steck-Turner of Lafayette; his daughters, Kristen Marie Turner of Southgate, KY, Jessica Lynn Turner of Lafayette, and Kathryn Elise Turner of Baton Rouge; his sister, Veralyn Kinzer and her husband Tom of Bloomington, IN, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and their families.

Dr. Turner was born on July 4, 1946 in Monmouth, IL to the late Lynn Warren Turner and Vera Kathryn Arbogast Turner. He obtained a B.A. in history with a minor in music from Otterbein College, a M.A. and Ph.D. in American history from the University of Illinois, and a MLS at the University of Kentucky. From 1975-1982, he worked as the head of Special Collections and Assistant Librarian at the State University of New York at Oswego. In 1982, he joined the faculty of Edith Garland Dupré Library (ULL) as Associate Professor of Library Sciences and Head of Archives and Special Collections. During his 33 years at ULL, he achieved the rank of professor, published over 26 articles in six different journals, curated 30 exhibits, wrote multiple grants and participated in numerous committees. From 1998-2001, he was recipient of the Friends of the Dupré Library Board of Regents Support Fund Professorship. He was a member of the Louisiana Archives and Manuscripts Association and the Society of Southwest Archivists, serving variously as president, president-elect, vice president, treasurer, board and committee member for both. As a member of the Louisiana Historical Association and the Society of American Archivists, he served on multiple committees: he gave presentations for all these organizations.

Dr. Turner sang with Chorale Acadienne, the Acadiana Symphony Chorus, and was a faithful member of the church choir. He played cello with the ULL Symphony Orchestra, the Lafayette Community Strings, and the Acadiana Symphony (1984-97). At First Presbyterian Church he was an ordained elder, served on numerous committees, taught Sunday school classes, and was considered a cherished leader. He worked with the Presbytery of South Louisiana Committee of Ministry and Commissioning and attended many Presbytery meetings representing First Presbyterian. He was actively involved with the Wesley Campus ministry and was a dedicated participant with the Louisiana Presbyterian Pilgrimage. He was a prolific reader, a world traveler, an amateur photographer, and an avid collector. He volunteered regularly for CUPS Basket Ministry and Meals on Wheels, donated generously to a plethora of charitable foundations, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a kind soul, true historian, walking encyclopedia, professional archivist, community leader, loving father and husband. He possessed a dry sense of humor and a willingness to listen, learn, and teach. He loved his family, friends, animals, music, good food, books, Facebook, bad puns, old family stories, and college sports. He has touched many people the world around and his presence in our lives will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to a memorial fund, which will be distributed by the family to his favorite charities. These donations can be sent through Pay Pal to paypal.me/brucememorialfund or mailed directly to the Bruce Turner Memorial Fund, 100 Normandy Rd., Lafayette, LA.

Personal condolences may be sent to the Turner family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com.

Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA is in charge of funeral arrangements.