William Gene Turner, 84, of Terre Haute passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2015. He was born January 28, 1931 in Terre Haute to William E. Turner and Hattie Doris Adams Turner. Bill was a professor in the Indiana State University School of Technology for 38 years. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Carole A. Gibbs Turner; son, David G. Turner and his wife Lyla of Danville, IN; daughter, Susan E. Turner-Cooper and her husband Ronald Cooper of Terre Haute who so unselfishly provided love and support to Bill and Carol during Bill's extended illness; three grandchildren, Kyle Turner of Indianapolis, IN, Michelle Turner and Melanie Turner both of Danville, IN; sister-in-law, Ina Gibbs of Prescott, AZ; nephews, Brian Gibbs of Oklahoma City, OK, Daniel Gibbs of Evansville, I, Douglas Gibbs of Phoenix, AZ, and Stuart Gibbs of Prescott, AZ; and cousins, Joanne Turner Hobbs of Roswell, NM, Robert Adams of Chicago, IL, Rebecca Wagle and Joan Nance both of Terre Haute. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Bob A. Gibbs and his wife Lois E. Gibbs and Donald L. Gibbs. Bill was an elder of the Eastside Church of Christ for 37 years following serving as a deacon for a number of years. He was also involved with I.S.U. campus ministry during the 1980's. He participated in mission trips to Sweden in 1973 and India in 1998. Bill graduated high school from Glenn School, received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Indiana State University, and his PhD from Arizona State University. He was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, lifetime member of Indiana State Industrial Arts Association, Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society Fraternity, a member of the Advisory Board of Ivy Tech State College for Automotive Technology, a member of the Exchange Club being very involved with Bikes for Tykes, a Camp Wabashi Youth Camp supporter, and was a Kids' Hope mentor at Devaney School. Bill taught at Mechanics Arts School in Evansville while earning his master's degree and later was instrumental in establishing the Automotive Technology Program at Indiana State University. He also was a Korean War Army Veteran. Bill was a wonderful husband and compassionate, generous, and kind dad. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 5, 2015 in Eastside Church of Christ, 4025 College Ave., Terre Haute, IN with Pastor Mark Strahm officiating. Burial will be in Highland Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2015 in the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bill and Carole Turner Scholarship Fund at the Indiana State University School of Technology or Camp Wabashi. The family would like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice, especially Heidi and Hailey, who provided much compassion and support to Bill and our family during his final days. Arrangements are under the direction of Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S. 25th Street.
