Eugene C. Turner

Eugene (Gene) C. Turner, 96, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at his home in Chenango Bridge, NY.  He is predeceased by two infant sons, Bruce Jeffrey and Mark Sheldon.  He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy, his sister, Gloria Moore, three sons, R. David, Jeffrey, and Scot, three daugher-in-laws, Mary Ann, Melis¬sa, and Barbara, seven grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, four great-grandchil¬dren, twelve step-great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Gene was a lifelong resident of Chenango Bridge.  He was a 1936 graduate of Binghamton Central High School.  In 1939 he married Dorothy M. Folmsbee, also of Chenango Bridge.  In 1942, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and trained in fighter aircraft, including P-40s, P-47s and P-51s. He served in the European theater with the 8th Air Force, 356th Fighter Group/360th Fighter Squadron stationed at Martlesham Heath, England.  He flew over 50 sorties and completed 43 missions in his P-51D Mustang (“Dotty”) over Nazi Germany, flying individual target missions and as fighter escort for B-17 bombing missions. Following the war, he helped form the 9273rd Air Force Reserve Unit of the Triple Cities, continued with F-80 flight training, and retired from the Air Force Reserves as Lt. Colonel after 30 years.  He received many decorations, commendations and awards.

Following WWII, Gene attended New York Trade School and spent 25 years developing the Turner Plumbing & Heating contracting business in Chenango Bridge.  He was involved with numerous new housing development and renovation projects with Bob Berray Builders.  In his pre-retirement years he served the Town of Chenango as Water Dept. Supervisor for an additional 10 years.

He was a faithful member of the Chenango Bridge United Methodist Church for over 80 years.  He also attended the Nimmonsburg United Methodist Church for many years.  He was a member of the regional Retired Officers Group (TROA/MOA), the P-51 Mustang Pilots Association, and the NY State Water Association. He was a charter member of the Chenango Bridge Volunteer Fire Dept., and a member of the American Legion Post 1194.  He and Dorothy were Disaster Team volunteers for the Broome County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

He enjoyed creative projects at home, photography, watching sports, participating in many outdoor activities, and taking numerous camping trips with his wife and family.  He and Dorothy especially enjoyed camping in the Adirondacks.  He traveled throughout much of the country, in addition to several vacation tours to Europe with Dorothy and fellow retired WWII pilots and their wives.  On May 14th of this year, Gene and Dorothy were truly blessed by celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary.

In celebration of his full and inspiring life, a Memorial Service will be held for family and friends on Saturday, November 15th at 4:00 pm at the Chenango Bridge United Methodist Church, 740 River Road, Chenango Bridge, NY.  

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