Eugene A. "Gene" Turner, age 75 of Isanti, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Monday, April 15, 2019 at home, two weeks after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

"Mr. T" was born April 8, 1944 in Brainerd, Minnesota; the son of Verle and Thelma (Taylor) Turner.  Gene's father tragically passed away the day after Gene was born.  In his first years of life, Gene lived with his mom on his grandfather's farm in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, before moving to Waterloo, Iowa.  In 1952, they moved back to Minnesota.  Gene joined the U.S. Navy in 1961, and proudly served aboard the U.S.S. Lexington during the Korean Crisis and Vietnam War.  Gene achieved the rank of E3, and served as an Aviation Refueler, Crew Chief, and Officers' Orderly aboard the "Blue Ghost".  Gene was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1965.

In 1963, Gene was united in marriage to Ione Ferguson, and after returning from service, Gene worked several jobs: he drove truck for Hardrives Construction, Wayne Transport, and for a wood chip operation in Princeton.  He worked at Hoffman Engineering as a welder and drove bus for St. Francis School District.  From 1976-1998 Gene worked for Wyatt Ready Mix as a driver.  For several years after that, he did part-time paper route deliveries.  In 1981, Gene and Ione started a towing and snow plow business that they ran until 1991.

For years, Gene struggled with PTSD that he incurred during his service on the Lexington.  In December of 2014, he was able to make a trip to visit his ship that is currently a museum in Corpus Christi, Texas.  Gene was welcomed aboard the ship, and was able to let go of some of his demons.

In addition to the pride of his years of service aboard the Lexington, Gene was a very proud member of the St. Francis American Legion Post 622.  He was made a Lifetime Member in 2007 and served throughout the years as a Sergeant At Arms, Adjutant, and 1 ^st Vice Commander.  Gene was also a member of the Color Guard, often playing Taps during funeral services and ceremonies.  He dedicated many years of PR work to the St. Francis Legion Jamboree, as well as the Jaycees.

In his early life, Gene enjoyed bartending, singing in a band, PR work for the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, hunting and fishing, playing softball, and bowling.  In recent years, Gene could be found traveling to favorite spots, enjoying his PBR beer on ice, and sharing his talent for singing karaoke.  He was also extremely proud of his business venture with his close friend Herbie, where they bought a family restaurant and bar in New Ulm, known as The Lamplighter.  Even in his final days, Gene beamed with pride when Herbie made his daily phone calls to keep him apprised.

Gene will be greatly missed by SO many people.  He lived his life, his illness, and his last days the same way – he "Did it My Way". The family would like to thank the VA for their years of medical care, Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids (especially Nurse Jenny, who was Gene's equal and knew how to handle him) for their recent care, and Allina Hospice for their care in his final days.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his brothers, William, Francis, and Jack; and sister, Arlene.  He is survived by his children, Tonja (Dale) Anderson, Shane (Julie), Trever, and Tiffany (Phil Olsen) Anderson; and their mother, Ione Turner; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Shirley, Marian, Patricia, Beverly, and Kay; brother, Gary; significant partner, Joyce Lilleboe, and her mom, Beverly Blumer; special friend and business partner, Herb Knutson; his U.S. Navy and American Legion family, also many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home, 13817 Jay Street NW, Andover.  Visitation 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Wednesday (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)  Interment with Full Military Honors will take place in West Oak Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Salvation Army in memory of Gene.

Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home of Andover (763) 767-7373