David S. Turner, Sr., died attempting to rescue Priscilla M. Turner from burning, Lubbock, Texas, November 20, 2018. Priscilla, 38, who was disabled, remained in her bedroom inside her house as smoke spread to it from an adjacent room where a fire had broken out by the shared wall. Priscilla’s niece stayed with her, attempting to help Priscilla from the bedroom. Returning home, Priscilla’s father, Turner, 70, retired parole officer, learned that Priscilla was inside. As smoke issued through the front door, Turner entered the house. The niece escaped through a window in Priscilla’s bedroom as conditions in the house worsened. The fire spread to the doorway of the adjacent room and the exterior of that side of the house. Responding firefighters who attacked the fire with water from a hose found Priscilla and Turner a short distance apart and removed them from the house. Priscilla suffered severe burns and ultimately died 11 weeks later. Turner inhaled smoke and was burned. He died the following day.
90203 – 10124
90203-10124Obituary
David S. Turner, Sr., 70, died on Nov. 21, 2018, surrounded by his loved ones. Turner, of Lubbock, Texas, lived for his family and gave his life saving them. He was born on April 20, 1948 in Dallas to Sylvester and Gertrude Turner. He married Deborah Turner on Feb. 24, 1973.
Turner served in the U.S. Army. He dedicated his life to serving the community and spending time with and mentoring young people. Turner coached youth football, led youth groups, and was the commander of the Royal Rangers. He was in law enforcement throughout his career, retiring from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Parole Division in April 2018.
He was the father of David Turner II, Hallie Taylor, and Priscilla Turner.
Turner was buried at Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park in Lubbock.
(Edited from an obituary published on the website for the Combest Family Funeral Homes and Crematory in Texas.)