Comments on: Richard D. “Dick” Turner

By: Mary Ellen Kilmer

Mary Ellen Kilmer — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 17:22:15 +0000

In reply to Baldeo and Shobha Singh. Dick was our DS when we mived to Hastings Grace associate parsonage. I appreacite all his work with various groups throughout the conference. I appreciate Luci and our time at Parsonage Connection Retreats.

By: from Mary Seaver

from Mary Seaver — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 03:07:51 +0000

My late husband, Rev. LaRoy Seaver, highly respected Dick as a colleague and a good friend. After LaRoy and I were married in Dec. 1981, I soon learned to appreciate both Dick and Lucy and their beautiful example to all who knew them. I mourn with you, Lucy and family, but I know you cherish the memories you have of Dick and of his life, well lived!

By: Teresa Nelson

Teresa Nelson — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 04:42:16 +0000

Rev Turner was my favorite pastor at St Paul Methodist Church in Omaha Ne in the 70’s. Sorry for your loss.

By: Rev. Sherry J. Sklenar

Rev. Sherry J. Sklenar — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 21:43:23 +0000

To paraphrase a question from Scripture, “Can anything good come out of Endicott?” The not so surprising answer is “Yes.” We see this often in Scripture, how persons began in lowly, despised places, but God chose them and used them in great ways. God certainly did this by calling Dick Turner to a life of service in the ministry of the Church.

I will be forever grateful for Dick’s encouraging words to me (over coffee!) to persevere in fulfilling God’s call in my life. I will be forever thankful for my ministry with the Endicott United Methodist Church and for Dick’s parents Sam and Rose, who were faithful members there. I will be forever challenged by Dick’s witness to live out my faith in love and service to any of my neighbors.

Luci, love and prayers for you and all your family in this time of grief. May God strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand.

Thank you for sharing the beautiful service for Dick online.

By: William A. Wyman

William A. Wyman — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 19:59:24 +0000

Dear Luci, Tami and I are saddened by Dick’s death. He was always such a supportive friend to the Saint Paul music program and the Chancel Choir. I so much appreciated our vibrant and meaningful conversations. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts. Take care.

By: Lori Milks Smith

Lori Milks Smith — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 17:43:29 +0000

I have so many good memories of Dick, most while he was in his role of Executive Director of the UMC, Nebraska Conference. As a young lay person wanting to contribute to the success of the UMC and the Nebraska Conference, he was so welcoming, patient and encouraging. He really helped me learn about the work we were doing together.

I know he spent endless hours in this work. He was a true servant of Christ. Thank you for sharing him with us. Blessings to you in his death. He will live on through you, through your stories and memories shared. Wishing you comfort and peace as you navigate the days ahead.

By: David Dexter

David Dexter — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 14:42:44 +0000

Turner Family – Dick was a great man and yours is a wonderful family. Many memories for you to hold on to. Deepest condolences.

By: Baldeo and Shobha Singh

Baldeo and Shobha Singh — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 23:23:57 +0000

Lucy and Family,

Our hearts and prayers are with you. Dick will be greatly missed. We’ll never forget the day we arrived in Lincoln, Nebraska on March 26th, 1983 , all the way from India. Baldeo was to serve The Kenesaw and Holstein churches. Dick was the superintendent and wrote to us before we even left India. How welcome it made us feel!

We landed at Lincoln air-port in the midst of heavy snow. Dick had planned to meet us upon our arrival, but due to I-80 being closed, he could not travel from Grand Island. However, he arranged for The Seavers to meet us and stay with them that night. They were such wonderful and gracious hosts also. The following day Dick and The Sidders from Kenesaw church drove to Lincoln to take us to Kenesaw. All of this brings back wonderful memories of love and care.

Dick and Lucy have always been very hospitable and kind to us….that will ALWAYS stay with us. Working with Dick was always a great pleasure. And we are thankful to God for having blessed us with his leadership and friendship.

Our children join us in expressing the same feelings for Dick and join us in sending our prayers to the family.

By: Seanne Emerton

Seanne Emerton — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 22:24:26 +0000

Dearest Luci and family….Tom and I are forever grateful for the significant presence of DIck in our lives. He exuded unconditional love, saw the best in everyone and specifically saw potential in us that gave us opportunity to spread our wings.

Back in the 70’s, Dick encouraged Tom to get training in community development through the church conference which still informs him. And as a religion major fresh out of NWU, Dick (and you) offered me the opportunity to do some training through the church conference as well. It was progressive at the time, probably would still be considered that today. It was a program we offered to churches around the state for middle schoolers and their parents on human sexuality and how to facilitate healthy conversations. That program continues to inform the work I do as a marriage and family therapist today.

Luci, you have always been a beacon of love and support. We are so grateful to have known you both all these years and of course your amazing family. The legacy of your love lives on in these incredible children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Our deepest love and condolences to you all.

By: James S. Brewer

James S. Brewer — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 17:54:05 +0000

Lucy and family, thank you for sharing Dick with us. He was indeed a great friend, mentor, and colleague in ministry for many years. I first met him in the Spring of 1975, when he was at St. Paul Benson and Chair of the Board of Ordained ministry, and our careers intertwined throughout the years.

When Carol was asked to become a DS in 1985, I called Dick, since he was nearby at Grand Island. Since Carol would be my DS, I asked him if he would be a “second” DS for me if necessary. Of course he said, “Yes.”

We worked together on the Great Plains Organizing Project, as well as many other things.

It was good to see the two of you walking in our neighborhood when you moved to Old Farm Court, and we still miss looking out the window and seeing you.

We are grateful to God for all the many ways that Dick blessed our lives, and gave wise counsel, and was just a good friend.

Didn’t the Turners have the corner on the world market for old Fiats while you lived in Beatrice?