Gerald Dean Turner, 83, Thayer, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Wichita.

Gerald was born at Chanute on Sept. 4, 1928, the son of Arthur Edwin and Edna C. Underhill Turner. He attended Chanute Schools. Gerald retired from the Santa Fe Railroad, and continued to work in his community at IGA stores in Parsons and Chanute, and G&W Foods in Neodesha.

Following the loss of his first wife, Gerald was united in marriage to Mary Reece Turner, in Las Vegas, Nev., on Dec, 22, 1990.

Gerald served the state of Kansas as a silver-haired legislator, and was a member of the Neodesha Masonic Temple.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, of the home; a brother; two sisters; and a granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Glendora Turner, in 1988; a son, Kyle Turner, in 1989; three brothers; and two sisters.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan, 19 at Memorial Park Cemetery

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel.

Memorials in his name may be made to the Bible Baptist Church of Neodesha, and may be left with the funeral home.

To leave a special message for the family on-line, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com