a Flagstaff resident for 58 years and a beloved husband, father and friend, passed away at his home on Friday, October 18, 2024. He was 87.
Elton and his twin sister, Evelyn Audeen Turner, were born March 22, 1937, in Floydada, Texas. Elton was the seventh of eight children born to Virgil D. Turner and Josie Valree (Medley) Turner.
After graduating from Floydada High School in 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served 18 months in Korea. Following his service, he worked as the cashier of the First National Bank of Floydada.
In 1966, Elton and his wife, the former Sandra Roe of Floydada, moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, where Elton had accepted a position with Valley National Bank, eventually becoming the manager of the University branch. He left Valley National in 1974 and began a long career in real estate with his own agency, Property Investors Exchange.
Elton was very active in the community. He was instrumental in bringing Pop Warner Football to Flagstaff. He served as President of the NAU Townjacks Booster Club and spearheaded the effort to bring the first electronic scoreboard to NAU’s football stadium. He also served as treasurer of the Flagstaff Evening Lions Club, and president of the Coconino County chapter of the American Cancer Society. He was also very involved in local politics.
Elton took great pride in his home. He and his wife, Sandy, transformed a standard postwar suburban house in East Flagstaff into a beautiful landmark home inspired by the architecture and colors of Mexico. Elton designed and built many of the home’s features himself. He laid all of the home’s elaborate tilework with his own hands.
Elton loved spending time with friends and family and had the honor of being a bonus grandpa “Great” to Dakota Tjia; Rowan Davisdon; CJ, Noey and Koston Sawtelle; and Marissa, Maya and Nate Varshine.
Elton is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandy; his daughters, Karla Turner Allingham (Lowell) of Phoenix and Tricia Lyn Martinell (Mike) of Flagstaff; his twin sister, Audeen Irwin of Lubbock, Texas; his brother, Dorman “Bulldog” Turner (Annette) of Wimberly, Texas; his sister, Margie Young (Travis) of Floydada, Texas; dozens of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and friends who became family.
He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Diane Michelle Turner; his sister, Loretta Burns; his brothers, Elmer Doyle Turner, Delmar “Bud” Turner and Robert “Shorty” Turner; and his parents.
Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Northland Hospice & Palliative Care of Flagstaff, in thanks and recognition for the wonderful care they provided to Elton in his final days. The family is also very grateful to Tasha and Alonzo of Integrity First Homecare, for their compassionate care and assistance.
Elton and his good friend, former Flagstaff resident Jerry Springer, made a pact years ago to donate their bodies to medicine. As Elton requested, his body was donated to the University of Arizona Medical School. At 12:30 p.m. on Friday, October 18, the family received a call from the U of A, welcoming Elton to his new position at the School of Medicine, as teacher to a medical student.
In accordance with Elton's final wishes, there will be a celebration of life, Texas style, at a later date. Until then, as Elton would say to everyone who knew him, “Keep your tailgate up!” Elton Eugene Turner,