Robert Turner

Robert L. Turner, 81, born on March 23, 1939, was a kind and loving man. He was a grateful son and grandson, a generous brother, a faithful uncle, a good neighbor, and a trusting friend. But to Ella M. Turner, he was that adoring man she met more than six decades ago, who spent 61 years as a husband who provided attentive and loving care.

Additionally, he was more than a spouse and the other titles listed above. To Karen (Jerry) Triplett and Linda Murphy, he was the father every child dreamed of having as a dad. To his grandsons Jeremy Triplett, Jerod Triplett and Jayvyn Titus, he was an exceptional and amazing grandpa, so full of love, admiration, and conversation. And to all who knew him, knew what it was like to see him, and smile and stand tall and proud because his presence demanded it.

He moved to Hobbs, NM as a young child. It was also here on April 4, 1960, in the “Land of Enchantment,” he said “Forever I am yours,” to Ella M. Brooks, who is now Mrs. Ella M. Turner.

And now his community mourns because on Thursday, July 9, 2020, Robert departed this life, leaving all to grieve his death.

During his life, Robert was a hard worker and excelled in his profession. He enjoyed learning and earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Business Administration. He worked for Amoco Oil for 10 years, and the City of Hobbs for 10 years. He was blessed to retire from The New Mexico Junior College after 32 ½ years of devoted service. During that time, he instilled many good work ethics not only for his children but to other young people he met along life’s journey. He was an executive member of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) , always advocating for equal rights for all people. Even into retirement, Robert enjoyed being a man of excellence and enjoyed membership in many avenues from local to state offices and organizations. He had a sharp mind and an excellent sense of humor. Robert loved sports and excelled in golfing and playing racquetball.  But even more, was his love for his church and his church family, Scharbauer Street Church of Christ. He was a respected Deacon, serving well in many capacities. He was a Sunday School teacher and Treasurer for the Church.

Robert will long be remembered as a man who always put others ahead of himself, looked for their positive qualities, and never judged them, no matter the case. He was generous in all aspects, and giving of his time, gifts and finances.

On the far, far away shore he is embraced by his parents, Leon and Lillian Turner, grand-parents, Sam and Effie Turner, who raised him, and other loved ones.

Other survivors are his loving wife, Ella M. Turner, daughters, Karen (Jerry) Triplett, Linda Murphy and grandsons, Jeremy Triplett, Jerod Triplett and Jayvyn Titus. Also, his cousins, Mattie Tyson and Larnell Lipscomb of Hobbs, a sister, and a brother.

In lieu of flowers, please make donation to the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the New Mexico Junior College Nursing Program.