C. Elmo Turner

Charles Elmo Turner passed away peacefully in his home on Feb. 12, 2018, stating that his sweetheart and parents were there to greet him.

 He was born at home on Aug. 26, 1924 to Charles LeRoy and Mary Aurelia Frost Turner in Bluffdale, UT. He was sealed to his sweetheart, M. Lois Evans, on Sept 21, 1951. She passed away on April 23, 2013. They have 6 children, Robin (Linda), Randy (Sheree), Jill, Kerry (stillborn), Jean (Scott) Soulier and Lisa (Rob) Runyon. He was an exceptional father! He was present, involved, playful, joyful and supportive. His greatest joy was his 12 grandchildren. He now has 28 great-grandchildren.

Elmo graduated from Jordan HS in 1942. He then served in the US Navy during World War II at the tender age of 17. Soon after, he served an LDS mission to Brazil. On his return he wrote in his journal that he should like to return to Brazil one day with his wife and children. Little did he know in 1964 he would be called to be the Mission President of the Brazil South Mission in Curitiba, Brazil. He and Lois sold all they owned, packed up their 5 living children, ages 1-12, and served there valiantly for 3 years. He and Lois again returned to Brazil in 1989 to serve as President of the São Paulo Brazil MTC for 3 more years.

 While in college Elmo served as BYU Student Body President. His career was in education and he taught and served as principal of several elementary schools in Jordan School District.

Elmo served valiantly in many church callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Bishop, Stake President, Regional Representative and Patriarch. He was dedicated, positive, accepting, loving, never critical and always encouraging.

Elmo loved his siblings and honored his great heritage. He was preceded in death by his dear wife Lois, brother Rodney, sister Leilan and is survived by his brother Dick.

 Elmo has a tremendous love and dedication to this great land of America. He installed a flag pole early on and began having a flag ceremony on every 4th of July. It became a family and neighborhood tradition. He also served 6 years in the Utah State Legislature. 

His life is a brilliant example of his love and dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ. His faith was remarkable, his loyalty unquestionable, his humor and wit undeniable, his compassion unparalleled and his dedicated service endless. He leaves a great legacy of how living and sharing the gospel changes lives, shown by countless lives across continents having been changed forever by knowing him. His example serves as a beacon to his descendants, and is a light on the hill to all.

We would also like to thank all the loving people who helped to care for dad: Dr. John Dietlein, who came to his home and worked so diligently to relieve his pain; Mele, who during the day cared for dad's every need while also singing, reading scriptures, talking, cooking, cleaning and doing laundry; Meleane, who cared for dad during the night, sometimes singing and talking all throughout the night when he couldn't sleep; Tuti and all her children who came whenever we called - sometimes at the drop of a hat. Dad's hospice workers: Meggan, his fabulous nurse who came every day at the end, and was so patient (with us), and kind, gentle and loving with him; Gohar, his aide, who helped Mele with the heavy work of daily hygiene, and Teresa, his social worker who came to be with us when he passed on. We couldn't have cared for him in his home for the last five years without them. We were so grateful he was able to pass away in his home.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11:00 am at the River Ridge Stake Center at 10168 South 1000 West, South Jordan, Utah. Viewings will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 am prior to the funeral and from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Friday evening at the same location.