David "Dave" Lee Turner

David “Dave” Turner, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, mentor, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of his family after a life marked by faith, service, hard work, and devotion to those around him. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lois Turner; his children, Spring Bean and her husband Alan Bean, Crystal Kunz and her husband Daren Kunz, Forest Turner, and his wife Mary Turner and Louise Saw and her husband Simon Saw.

He is also survived by his siblings, Kevin Turner and his wife Gwen, Joel Turner and his wife Adele, Christine Larson and her husband Curt, Luani Bruyere and Martha Vinck. He was preceded in passing from earth by his brother Rick Turner, his brother-in-law, Paul Vinck and his parents, Henry and Wilda Turner.

His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Lauren Bean and her partner Tyler Anton, Sierra Bean and her husband Easton Grey, Kyle Bean, Dimitri Bean, Jonathan Kunz, Michael Kunz, Lydia Kunz, Cecil Kunz, Emily Turner, Natalie Turner, Sarah Turner and Matthew Turner. Also, his beloved great grandchildren: Oliver Anton, Violet Anton and Zoey Anton as well as all the friends he knew and loved.

Dave was born into a large family as the oldest of seven children. He liked to tell people that his parents had one and a half dozen children and that he was the one.

Dave’s father, Henry, was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in a devoted Episcopalian family. Following World War II, his father moved west to attend the University of Wyoming, a decision that ultimately shaped the future of the Turner family because His mother Wilda lived in Wyoming. She grew up in Wyoming in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They did not share a faith tradition until many years after they married, but more importantly they shared a love of God.

Dave attended Colorado State University, where he met the love of his life, Lois. After meeting in a sociology class, their friendship blossomed into a lifelong partnership. They were married in 1969 at Rockland Community Church near Lookout Mountain in Golden, Colorado. Later in 1977 Dave and Lois were sealed together in the Salt Lake LDS temple for time and all eternity. Together they shared 57 years of marriage. Family was the most important thing to Dave, and he cherished raising a family and building a life founded on love, commitment, and faith together with Lois.

After earning his bachelor's degree and completing graduate studies, Dave had a PhD in statistics. He accepted a position at Utah State University. In 1975 Dave, Lois, and their young daughter Spring moved to Cache Valley. What began as his first career opportunity became a lifelong home. He immediately fell in love with the beauty of northern Utah and the welcoming spirit of its people. He served a professor for several years then he spent some time working for the IRS which led him to his dream job as a Statistician for the US Forest Service. He stayed with the Forest Service until he retired in 2016.

For nearly fifty years, Dave called Cove, Utah, home. He affectionately named his property the “Never Done Ranch.” The name suited both the land and its owners. There was always another fence to mend, another project to tackle, or another challenge to overcome. Dave was known for his ability to fix almost anything and his determination to never walk away from hard work.

He built a life centered on family, community, and a deep faith in Jesus Christ. Those who knew him remember his steady character, his willingness to help anyone in need, his adventurous spirit, and his unwavering belief that the hand of God could be found in everyday life.

An avid outdoorsman, Dave loved mountains, hiking, fishing, backpacking, and exploring new places. Long before outdoor recreation became commonplace, he was introducing his family to the outdoors through camping trips, mountain adventures, and weekends spent creating memories together. His love of adventure inspired generations of family members to pursue their own athletic and outdoor accomplishments.

Dave's life was profoundly shaped by his faith. Through the influence of friends, family, and personal spiritual experiences, he became deeply committed to Jesus Christ and chose to worship in the faith community of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served faithfully throughout his life, sometimes officially in the following positions within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints— bishopric member, Elders Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader, Emergency Preparedness leader, nursery leader, high counselor for a Young Single Adult ward, Logan Temple Worker and as a ministering brother. For David, he felt that his most important service was not in an official job or calling, but as a faithful, loyal and devoted husband, father and friend. You each know without a doubt that Dave loves you. He often spoke of the peace, guidance, and spiritual strength he found through service. Those who knew Dave best remember not only his testimony of and faith in Jesus Christ but the way he lived that belief. He believed in serving quietly, welcoming others without judgment, and helping people draw closer to Christ through friendship and example. He respected people of many faith traditions and appreciated sincere belief wherever it was found.

Dave was known for his legendary sweet tooth, his passion for music through voice, guitar, or kazoo, his love of the Red Green Show, his quick wit, and his ability to make others feel valued. We all fondly remember his ability to listen when we needed to talk about simple things or complicated things. Whether Dad was teaching a grandchild to fish, helping a neighbor with a repair, serving in his church, performing guitar and vocal programs for others or encouraging a friend, he generously shared his time, talents, and heart.

We all want to thank the outstanding, compassionate and loving staff of Logan Regional, Intermountain Air Ambulance and Mackay Dee who tenderly cared for Dave and our family as Dave left this earth’s life. Dave used to say "The hand of God is always in our lives. The challenge is not that He is absent, but that we do not always recognize His presence.” The family feels the medical staff of each group truly acted as the Hand of God in this tender sacred time. We are deeply grateful for their care.

Dave's family invites all who knew him to honor his memory by cherishing their loved ones, serving others generously, seeking truth, and drawing closer to Jesus Christ. Our family believes Dave’s last public expression of faith would be what Dave wants to be the most important thing for all who remember him to store in their hearts and ponder whenever they think of Dave.

“I have a firm testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that He is the Savior of the world and that He lives. I am grateful for the Book of Mormon and for the witness it provides of Jesus Christ. I know that Joseph Smith was called as a prophet and that he translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God. I know that prophets continue to lead the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today and that President Russell M. Nelson serves as the Lord's living prophet on the earth.

When I look back at the winding path that brought me from an uncertain young man to a life of faith, I can clearly see the hand of God guiding the way. Through family, friendships, sacred ordinances, service, and the quiet influence of the Holy Spirit, my testimony grew line upon line and step by step. For all of those blessings, I am deeply grateful.”

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Cove Ward Chapel, 12832 N. 1200 E., Cove, Utah. Viewings will be held Thursday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 S. 800 E., Preston and Friday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Franklin Idaho Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com

The services will be streamed live and may be watched Friday at 11 am (MST) by clicking on the following link:

https://youtube.com/live/eX8u1pXGYjU?feature=share