George A. Turner

George A. Turner

Historian and Civic Leader


George Augustus Turner, age 78, of 611 Country Club Dr., Bloomsburg, was reunited with the Lord on Oct. 16, 2014 at the Select Specialty Hospital at Geisinger Medcial Center, Danville, after an illness that failed to vanquish his determined spirit. He was a devoted husband, a beloved father, grandfather, and brother, a staunch friend, and a highly regarded member of his community, which he served in many capacities for almost 50 years. He believed in paying his “civic rent” by dedicating time and energy to his fellow citizens, especially those in need. His integrity, compassion, wisdom, and humor will be sorely missed.

Born in Shelbyville, IL, on Nov. 25, 1935, he was the son of Carl and Dorothea (Turney) Turner. He was raised in Herrick, IL, and earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from Eastern Illinois University before pursuing graduate work in American history at Indiana University. After several years as a high school and community college teacher in Indiana, Colorado, and Missouri, he joined the faculty of Bloomsburg University, then called Bloomsburg State College, in 1965 as an associate professor of history. In 1983, he was appointed full professor and chair of his department, having previously served as president of the faculty association and senate. He also coordinated the Bloomsburg University Elderhostel Program from 1981-1988. In 1987, he received the Arts and Sciences Student Council Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Even before his retirement as professor emeritus in 1996, he played a prominent role in the life of Columbia County, serving as president of the Bloomsburg Area School District Board; president of the Columbia County United Way Board, earning its gold award in 1988; and president of the Columbia County Historical and Genealogical Society. From 2000-2004, he served on Bloomsburg’s town council, later joining the board of Bloomsburg Hospital and the Bloomsburg Municipal Authority.

His knowledge of local history was encyclopedic, and he generously shared it through countless publications, papers, and lectures. He was an authority on the Lattimer Massacre of 1897, a pivotal event in American labor history, as well as on the impact of the American Civil War on Columbia County, including the mass arrest of civilians in the Benton area – now commemorated by a roadside marker that he was instrumental in erecting. He was active in Wesley United Methodist Church and the Democratic Party.

He is survived by three wonderful daughters: Kristen Turner and her husband, John Weeren, of Yardley, PA; Tanya and her husband Harry Cain III of Atlanta, GA; and Andrea Turner, of San Francisco, CA; as well as two grandchildren, Hanna and Harry Cain IV, and two brothers, Fred of Herrick, IL, and Bill of Shelbyville, IL. He was predeceased by his dear wife, the former Sonja Dagny Paulson on October 30, 2006  and by a brother, Roger Turner.

A celebration of George’s life will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church, Third and Market Streets, in Bloomsburg on Saturday, Oct. 25th at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Dr. Gary D. Weaver officiating. A private burial will take place at the New Rosemont Cemetery. There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in George’s name may be made to the United Methodist Home for Children, 5120 Simpson Ferry Road,  Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of The Dean W Kriner Funeral Home & Cremation Service , 325 Market Street, Bloomsburg, PA  17815