LANCASTER - Neil W. Turner, 83, of Lancaster, passed peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.

Neil was born in Clearfield on Nov. 26, 1938 to the late Marvin and Lucille (Irwin) Turner.

He graduated from Clearfield High School in 1956 and Penn State University in 1961.

Neil is survived by his wife, Marcella (Elbell) Turner, having celebrated their 62nd anniversary this past March; two sons, Thane Turner (Rachel) and Trent Turner (Kerri); six grandchildren, Kylie, Karisa (Austin), Ellen (Ben), Avery, Caleb and Benjamin; and a brother, Howard Turner (Carol).

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Terry and Troy; and his older brother, Roy.

Neil had three loves - the Lord, his family, and wrestling - in that order. He coached wrestling for 52 years and was still active at the time of his death. He started his coaching career in 1961 and his career took the following path - Altoona H.S., Steven's Trade School, Asst. Clarion University, Athletes-In-Action, Clearfield H.S., Lock Haven University, and then to Messiah College where he retired from active teaching and coaching. During his retirement he coached Mat-Town U.S.A. Wrestling Club in Lock Haven, and finally came to Conestoga Valley H. S. in Lancaster where his son Trent is head coach.

He has been honored by numerous Wrestling Hall of Fames and he was very humbled by all the honors of his peers. In 1975, while coaching at Clearfield H.S., he was honored as the National High School Coach of the Year. In 2004, he was honored with the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

There will be no immediate funeral service except for a family gathering.

A celebration of life memorial will be planned and held at a later time.

The Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, Inc. of Clearfield is in charge of the arrangements.

To send online tributes please go to www.bennettandhouser.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Progress from Jan. 2 to Jan. 3, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for NEIL TURNER

Sponsored by Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, Inc..

10 Entries

Wendy Bressler Baranak

January 9, 2022

Neil Turner was instrumental in my family. He was the person of contact when my older brother, Les Bressler, attended and wrestled for Clarion University and became the University's first National Champ Wrestler. There was also an older brother who transferred to Clarion and played baseball there. I was the younger sister (family member #3) who graduated from Clarion U. I remember Coach Turner being a friend and a mentor to my family. He was a very inspirational and caring person. Sending Blessings to his family.

Julie Farwell

January 9, 2022

My sincere condolences to Marcella and family. I once met Neil while attending Clarion College. He had his Athletes in Action team there and also spoke at a Campus Crusade for Christ meeting which I had attended. I spoke to him after the meeting. He was such a great Christian man and role model. He lived his faith. I was told by one of Neil's wrestlers that I resembled Marcella and Neil agreed! God bless.

Sharon Hy

January 8, 2022

My uncle Neil was the strongest man of faith I knew growing up. It never waivered regardless of challenges the world presented to he and Marcella and their family, I silently took in these lessons and try each day to live accordingly. Thank you for the way you lived and loved God ,your family and of course wrestling.

Bill Bailey

January 6, 2022

My sincere condolences to the Turner Family.

Rod Buck

January 3, 2022

A true man of God with an undeniable faith and strong conviction. He has won the ultimate Victory in his wrestling match with life. God Bless his family.

Rod Buck

DR David Mark Fano

January 3, 2022

Coach I will never forget you. You had a very big impact on my life while wrestling for Lock Haven. Rest in Peace GOD Bless you.

Doug Gallaher

January 3, 2022

My sincerely Condolences to the entire Turner Family.
It was an honor to wrestle on Coach's teams at CHS & LHU.

Sharon seybold

January 3, 2022

All my sympathies for the family at this difficult times