Fred Olen Turner

Fred Olen Turner, 93, passed away on October 26, 2024, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He lived a life marked by dedication to his family, education, and service.

Fred was born on February 3, 1931, in Ringwood, Oklahoma, to Albert and Maud Mae (Moody) Turner. Fred grew up in Cleo Springs, Oklahoma and graduated from Cleo Springs High School in 1949. After High School he attended and graduated from Southern Nazarene University in 1953 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics. After college he served his country faithfully as an Army PFC from 1953 to 1955. He married Vera Meisner on March 2, 1958, in a beautiful ceremony at the First United Methodist Church in Stillwater. Fred worked for many years as a computer software programmer for major companies and newspapers in the United States. Fred and Vera served in ministry as Work and Witness Coordinators at the Native American Christian Academy in Sun Valley, Arizona, from 2004 to 2014. This period was a significant highlight for Fred, as he felt honored to serve God and support the Native American students and families, as well as the staff and various teams that came to work on projects at the school.

Fred is survived by his wife Vera Turner, of Stillwater, Oklahoma; children, Denise Martin of Lawrence, Kansas, Donna Vernier and her husband Doug of Warr Acres, Oklahoma, Brian Turner and his wife Carla of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Deanna Turner of Stillwater, Oklahoma. Fred was a proud grandfather, cherished by his grandchildren Marissa Winter and her husband Adam, Heather Martin, Hollie Martin, Sarah Vernier and her husband Corbin Brown, and Rachel Vernier. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Ellen and Marshall Winter. Fred is also survived by his siblings, Clare Turner Lawless of Modesta, California, and Zula Turner Piotrouski of Rideland, Wisconsin, and many nieces and nephews and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Wayne Turner and Roy Turner.

Fred Olen Turner will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family, his community, and his faith.

Pallbearers will be Charlery Neely, Corbin Brown, Wes Meisner, Adam Winter, Duane Ferguson and Bryan Wright.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 9am to 8pm with family greeting guests from 6-8pm at Dighton Marler Funeral Home, 5106 N. Washington St., Stillwater, Oklahoma. A funeral service honoring his life will be held on November 8, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the First Church of the Nazarene, located at 1023 East Will Rogers Drive, Stillwater, Oklahoma. His legacy of love, service, and dedication will live on through the many lives he touched.

Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Native American Christian Academy c/o Dighton Marler Funeral Home, 5106 N. Washington St., Stillwater, Oklahoma 74075.