Larry Turner

Larry was born to Vinol Turner and Elva Jenkins on May 20, 1943. Along with his older sister, Sharon Yancey, and younger brother Paul Turner, Larry had a beautiful and ideal childhood in Magna, Utah where he grew up surrounded by family, friends, land, and animals. As an adult, his life revolved around education, service, and family.  Larry’s education was broad and included time in the United States Army and BS and MS degrees from Brigham Young University. He used his experience and education to hone a career in teaching as a seminary teacher and principal, sharing his love for God and the scriptures with generations of teenagers. He worked for the Church Education System for 32 years. 

His teaching talent and experience, combined with his desire to serve, led to a lifetime of service and leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including many years as a temple sealer in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. He also served two missions, one in Honolulu, Hawaii where he developed a life-long love for the Hawaiian people, and one with his wife Vera at the Nauvoo Temple, where he shared his life-long love and knowledge of Joseph Smith with temple patrons.

 Larry loved education and he loved to serve, but most of all, he loved his family. Larry was married to Vera L. Lazenby and together they had 5 children:  Lori Sue (Joe Cartwright), LeAnne (Tim Clement), Lynnette (Layne Daybell), Lesley (Brian Price), and Gregory James. He loved his 20 grandchildren and his 16 great-grandchildren, and they adored their Grandpa Turner. He also cared deeply for his children’s and grandchildren’s spouses. As a testament to the love and leadership he gave us, our family maintained a constant vigil at the hospital for two weeks as he struggled and fought to live. He was never alone. In the end, the most loving thing we could do was let him go in peace. Our beloved husband, dad, and grandpa passed peacefully from this life to the next on April 7, 2024. Alongside him, holding his hands and feet so he knew we were there, was his dear wife Vera and their 5 children with their spouses. Waiting close by as their grandpa journeyed home were many of his grandchildren. Our hearts are broken, but what a privilege to be by his side as he fought valiantly to stay in this world. We are so proud of him and so grateful for every minute we were with him in life, and especially during this time. We were cocooned in love and holiness in that hospital space and supported in every way by family members, friends, and an incredible team of doctors and nurses. We are especially grateful for Michelle, who brought him back to us so that we would have time to say goodbye, and Will and Dallin. They cared for Larry and his family with great compassion, wisdom, and gentleness. 

 And now, what a joyous reunion for Larry with his Heavenly Parents and earthly parents, his Savior, his dear sister, and so many beloved family members and friends! As much as we wanted him here, he wanted his life put into his Father’s hands and he submitted fully to His will. What an incredible man and what an incredible opportunity to “walk him home.”

 You are welcome to join us as we pay tribute to our dad and grandpa on Friday, April 12 from 6-8pm at Peel Funeral Home in Magna and on Saturday, April 13 at 11:00 am (viewing at 10:00am) at the Magna Utah Stake Center 3084 S 8400 W. Larry will be buried at the Pleasant Green Cemetery.

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https://zoom.us/j/98351562336?pwd=dHgzaXdPK0dQdVdyZjM3NW9jY2s0Zz09
 
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 Passcode: 365553