Alpha:

August 6, 1923

Omega:

March 23, 2016

Thursday, March 31, 2016Visitation 1:00 - 3:00 PMFuneral Service - 3:00 PM

First EvangelistMissionary Baptist Church

1801 Willow St.New Orleans, LA 70113

Rev. Reginald A. Landry, Officiant

Homegoing Celebration

of

RobertTurner,

Jr.

Life Reflections… ROBERT TURNER, JR. was born on

August 6, 1923, to the late Bertha B. Johnson Turner and Robert Turner, Sr. He was a devoted husband

for 66 years and is survived by his wife, Louise Houston Turner and their children: Phillip R. Turner,

Sr. (spouse - Rita LaBostrie Turner), Kamala K. Turner, Tonya Turner Winfield (spouse - David M.

Winfield) and Dr. Rod J. Turner, Sr. (spouse - Roslyn Morgan Turner). His two brothers and two sisters

preceded him in death. He is the grandfather of 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, and is

survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.

Robert is a native of Port Hudson, Louisiana and resided in New Orleans for over 50 years, making

Houston, Texas his home for the last 10 years. After matriculating at Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee,

Alabama, he served 3 years in the military, rising from the rank of private to 1st Sergeant. He saw

action overseas during World War II in Europe as well as the Pacific. After a honorable discharge from

the military, he began working as a Locomotive Fireman with the Kansas City Southern Railroad for

20 years. In 1964 after the civil rights bill was passed, he along with two other African-American

railroad employees filed a class action lawsuit against the railroad for equal pay and promotions and

WON. He received retroactive payment as well as the right to be promoted to the position of engineer,

where he worked for 24 years before retiring in 1989.

While working for the railroad, he served as the local representative for his Lodge (Brotherhood of

Locomotive Firemen and Engineers). He attended conventions in Houston, Chicago, Atlanta and New

Orleans. He also was elected to the Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge. After being promoted to

Engineer, his lodge integrated the all white lodge (UTI), and he was selected as a delegate to that

convention in Houston, Texas. Robert was the only African-American representative out of 800

delegates and was asked to speak to the other delegates, which he did.

As an avid sports fan, especially of his New Orleans Saints football team, he and Mrs. Turner held

season tickets from the very beginning; as well as season tickets to the New Orleans Jazz when they

were in town. His passion for travel and sports took him all over the U.S. to watch his son-in-law play

professional baseball and Robert wound up in the locker room during the celebration of the 1994 World

Series win. Escorting his beautiful wife to many of the most exclusive, high society balls and

events during the carnival season was a highlight for the couple. Although Robert was a man of few

words, when he spoke, like E. F. Hutton… everybody listened!

Most important to him was his love of the Lord and First Evangelist Missionary Baptist Church. He

continued a legacy of worship and service started by his family almost a century ago. His mother,

Bertha B. Turner, was on the Usher Board and Home Mission. His sister, Lillian Turner Luckett, was a

member for over 50 years and sang in the choir and was considered the song bird of First

Evangelist. His brother, Rev. Ebert Turner was a member of the ministerial staff. Even upon Robert's

move to Houston, he still tithed with his home church.

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT: Member of Pontchartrain Kiwanis Club and past Vice-President, Chairman

of Senior Citizens Bingo, Thanksgiving and Christmas Basket Committee for the Needy, including

receiving the Kiwanian of The Year Award in Recognition of Outstanding Service to the

community. Times-Picayune Doll and Toy Fund, NAACP, Urban League, Boy Scouts of America,

American Heart Association.

Robert will be remembered as an anchor in the storms of life. His unwavering faith and solid

leadership were a constant source of strength for his family, friends and community. His loving and

kind spirit will be sadly missed by all who loved and admired him.

Favorite Scripture ???

Musical Prelude …………………………………………………………. Christopher R. Vaughn, Sr., Minister of Music

Processional ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Clergy & Family

Devotional

Old Testament Reading ……………………........ Job 19:25-27 ………………………… Deacon Reginald Reed, Sr.

New Testament Reading ………………………….. John 14:1-7 …………………………… Deacon Marcel Williams

Meter - Prayer

Prayer Chant – I Love The Lord

“His Life and Legacy” ......................................................................................... Tonya Turner Winfield

Solo / Selection ……………………………. “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” .............. Christopher R. Vaughn, Sr.

Condolences from the Church

Family Reflection ……………..…………………………………..……………………………………………….. Phillip Turner, Sr.

Tribute & Poem ………………….. Kamala K. Turner, Dr. Rod J. Turner, Sr., Dr. Tracy Louise Turner Crooms

Solo / Selection …………………………………. “I Won’t Complain” ....................... Christopher R. Vaughn, Sr.

Recognition of Clergy

Remarks (2 Minutes Please)

Eulogy ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Rev. Reginald A. Landry

Parting View

Benediction / Recessional

Favorite Scripture: Psalms 23:1-3The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the path of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Celebrating the Life of Robert Turner, Jr.

Order of Service

R

O

B

E

R

T

TURNER, JR.

Thank You!Thank you for your endless love,

That will help me through each dayAnd thank you for the memories

That will never fade away.

You’re the man I lovedAnd was proud to be your wife,

And every day in some small way,I will celebrate your life.

As long as memories last,You will stay in my heart.

Your Loving Wife,Louise “Mrs. Turner”

What Makes A Dad And Grandfather

God Took The Strength Of A Mountain,

The Majesty Of A Tree,

The Warmth Of A Summer Sun,

The Calm Of A Quiet Sea,

The Generous Soul Of Nature,

The Comforting Arm Of Night,

The Wisdom Of The Ages,

The Power Of The Eagle's Flight,

The Joy Of A Morning In Spring,

The Faith Of A Mustard Seed,

The Patience Of Eternity,

The Depth Of A Family Need,

Then God Combined These Qualities,

When There Was Nothing More To Add,

He Knew His Masterpiece Was Complete,

And So, He Called It ….. 'DAD!'

With Love,

Your Children, Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren

I n t e r m e n tMt. Olivet Cemetery

& Mausoleum4000 Norman Mayer AveKenner, Louisiana 70122

A r r a n g e m e n t sD. W. Rhodes Funeral Home

3933 Washington AvenueNew Orleans, Louisiana 70125

Program Design: Our Celebrations of Life (504) 338-8753 or (504) 453-2186

R e p a s tDillard University

Kearny West Dining

A c t i v e P a l l b e a r e r s

Phillip R. Turner, Sr. Robert J. TurnerPhillip R. Turner, Jr.

Vincent Luckett Ron WilliamsBeaujon Turner Joseph K. Byrd

H o n o r a r y P a l l b e a r e r s

Dr. Rod J. Turner, Sr. David M. WinfieldRod J. Turner, Jr. David M. Winfield, II

Herbert “Palou” Houston

With Gratitude & Love

The family acknowledges with sincere thanks your many expressions of sympathy in the loss of

our husband and father.