1939-2026
Kenneth W. “Ken” Turner, 86, passed into eternal life, joining his loved ones who preceded him in faith. He passed away shortly after midnight on June 4, 2026, with his daughter, Annette & son, Terry by his side. His departure was peaceful and characteristic of his quiet strength. This moment serves as a powerful reminder of the brevity and fragility of life and the eternity that awaits, and he is now resting in the loving care of Jesus. Ken was born October 7, 1939, in Plevna, to William Palmer and Evelyn Talthia (Schwiethale) Turner.
Ken graduated from Sylvia High School in 1958 and Hutchinson Community Junior College in 1960 with an associate’s degree in accounting. He worked at Amoco Oil Company for 19 years. Ken worked at Hutch Rec for over 20 years as a supervisor of maintenance, as well as a referee at Fun Valley Sports Complex. Following Hutch Rec, Ken drove for Durham School Services for five years. Ken liked gospel music and sang in a travelling gospel group and at church. Ken had a passion for sports; he enjoyed cheering on the KU Jayhawks, Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. His greatest joy was being able to watch his children and grandchildren in their sporting events and school activities. He was a member of Westside Baptist Church, Hutchinson.
On December 21, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Annie Mae Potter, in Sylvia. They shared over 47 years of marriage, prior to her death on August 3, 2006.
Ken was survived by: his children, Annette (Steven) Souza of Goddard, Terry (Janet) Turner of South Hutchinson; grandchildren, Brandon Colvard of Wichita, Ashley (Bob) Schneider of Derby, Traca Colvard of Arkansas City, Anthony “Tony” (Brea) Turner of Hutchinson, Cameron (Laura) VanDegrift of Bordentown, NJ, Trevor (Alyssa) Turner of Hutchinson, Colby (Kelsey) Turner of Hutchinson; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, James R. “Jim” (Pam) Turner of Hutchinson; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; spouses, Annie Turner and Barbara Lawson-Turner; and son, Ricky “Rick” Turner.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Westside Baptist Church, 400 W. 12th, Hutchinson, with Pastor Nathan Foltz officiating. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson, with Pastor Amy Foster officiating. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
Memorials are suggested to Phoenix Home Care and Hospice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
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