Eugene Turner

Eugene Calvin Turner, born August 2, 1932 in Cincin-nati, Ohio, was the middle son of three sons born to Relens H. Turner and Jessie Slaughter Turner.
Eugene attended Cincinnati Public Schools, graduating from Burdette Elementary and Withrow High School. While all three of the Turner boys were trained in music at a young age, Eugene became a well known skilled percussionist, play-ing with various bands throughout the greater Cincinnati area.
On April 1, 1952, Eugene enlisted into the United States Air Force. He trained at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi where he became certified as a radio operator. During his four years of service, Eugene received the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After serving at various stations in this country and abroad, he was honorably discharged from the Air Force on March 31, 1956.
On November 30, 1963, surrounded by family and friends, Eugene married Rosemary Simpson. During the course of their happy and devoted marriage, Rosemary, on a trip to Senegal, met a young student, Babacar Diagne. In 1978, both Rosemary and Eugene were instrumental in bringing Babacar to this country, and providing him with a home while he pursued his college education. Over time, through mutual dedication, respect and affection, Rosemary and Eugene considered Babacar their son and became his American parents.
Eugene was known for his quiet, steadfast manner and his great sense of humor.
Eugene was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary, father, mother and oldest bother.
Eugene leaves to cherish his memory: his son, Babacar and daughter-in-law, Michelle; grandchildren, Aminata Diagne Ramsey, Saliou and Amima Diagne; great-grandchildren, Maurice Ousmane and Marie “LuLu” Ramsey; brother, Barry Turner and family; nephew, Ralph Simpson and family; niece, Robin Herron and family; and a host of family and friends.