Gene Turner

Gene Arthur Turner, 83, of Carterville, passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Manor Court of Carbondale.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 15, 2025, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Pastor Michael Williams officiating. Burial with military rites will be at Egyptian Memorial Gardens in Energy. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Friday, at the funeral home. The family asks that you wear casual golf attire.

Memorial contributions can be made to Residential Hospice.

Gene was born on June 7, 1942, in Herrin, to Billy and Verna Mae (Cain) Turner. He married Kathie Sue Henry on October 10, 2000, in Tucson, Arizona.

He is survived by his wife, Kathie Turner; daughter, Becky (Abel) Salazar; granddaughter, Isabella Salazar; brother, Steve (Marjorie Branca) Turner; cousin, Marc Turner; plus many dear friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; aunt and uncle, Gene (Pauline) Turner; and in-laws, Curtis (Billie) Hicks.

 He honorably served our country in the United States Army, with overseas service in Taiwan.

Gene worked as the plant manager at Allen Industries for many years, later continuing his career at Diagraph. He went on to serve as as Senior Director over logistics, scheduling, and planning at Bombardier, a role he held for over 14 years.

An avid golfer, Gene was a proud member of the “11 o’clock” group at Crab Orchard Golf Course in Carterville. He had a deep love for music, enjoyed reading on his Kindle, and was a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gene Turner, please visit our floral store.