Bruce Turner, of Wichita, passed away on April 11, 2025. Born to Billy and Willetta Turner in Arkansas City, Bruce spent his early years in Augusta before moving to Longford, where he completed junior high and high school, graduating in 1968. Deeply passionate about education and theater, Bruce attended Kansas State University, where he also joined the Army ROTC program, later serving as a Second Lieutenant from 1973 to 1974. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1972 and a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction in 1978. Bruce’s teaching career began at Kenneth Henderson Junior High School and later continued at Wellington Middle School.
Bruce furthered his education by earning a second master’s degree in Elementary and Secondary Counseling from Emporia State University, which led to a career as a school counselor at Wellington Middle School and later Royster Middle School in Chanute. His dedication to education was recognized in 2014 when he was named Counselor of the Year by the Kansas State Board of Education and invited to a White House dinner hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama.
Bruce retired in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of service and commitment to students. He was preceded in death by his parents.
His friends and family are invited to honor his memory by visiting his digital tribute wall at cornejofuneralhome.com. A visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 2, with the family present to receive guests from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m at Cornejo Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 3, at 10:30 a.m. at the Cornejo Funeral Home, Wellington.
