Kenneth Turner (Ken)

Passed away peacefully of natural causes on June 11th, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. Age 72 years.

Ken “Wildman” Turner was born on July 27th, 1949 to Herbert and Irene Turner in the bustling city of Saginaw. After Ken graduated from Freeland High School in 1967, he attended college at Michigan State University studying agriculture.

After college, Ken took over the family’s Turner Fruit Farm. Working as a third-generation farmer, his career spanned over 50 years in agriculture-related fields from Michigan to Florida. Ken was passionate about farming and loved what he did for a living. His experience in farming also led to a venture in trucking, co-owning a produce-hauling business with his son Clay.

Ken loved many forms of auto racing. From ’78 to ’84 he sponsored a late model short track car, the Turner Apple Express, driven by his close friend Jim Terrill. Together, they set several track records of the time and frequently found themselves in the winner’s circle.

Ken retired in 2016. While retired, Ken had time to pursue his love of motorcycles supporting Sons of Silence, his Corvette hot rod, and took a great deal of pride in his yardwork. He was active in the Myakka City Baptist Church where there was a celebration of life following his death.

In 2017, Ken married Lori Hildebrandt at a small ceremony in Myakka City, FL. Ken and Lori went on to live a peaceful life until his passing enjoying travelling, gardening, church, and auto races.

Ken is survived by his wife, Lori Hildebrandt-Turner; brother, Don and sister-in-law, Janet Turner; brother-in-law, Mel Weeden; son, Clint and daughter-in-law, Robin Turner; son, Clay Turner and grandchildren, Brandon Barnard, Noah Tapp, Spencer Turner and Madison Turner. Kenneth was predeceased by his parents, Herbert and Irene Turner and sister, Donelda Weeden.

Committal service will take place at 3:30 p.m., on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at Owen Cemetery, 2385 N. River Road, Saginaw, MI 48609. Pastor William Hessler will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Myakka City Baptist Church, 36951 Manatee Ave, Myakka City, FL 34251.