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Richard W. Turner, Sr. (1924-2004) was a World War II veteran, decorated pilot, artist, author, and devoted husband whose life was marked by service, creativity, humility, and deep faith. Born in Johnson City, New York, Richard answered the call of duty during World War II, serving with distinction in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater. As a pilot, he flew 72 1/2 missions over the treacherous Himalayan supply route known as The Hump"" an experience that shaped his character and perspective for the rest of his life. After the war, Richard became a leader in the Boy Scouts of America, a gifted artist and woodcarver, and a man who loved music, nature, and the written word. He shared 56 years with the love of his life, Caroline, and together they built a legacy of family, faith, and service. In his later years, Richard turned to writing to reflect on his life's most defining moments. His first book, Third Chance, recounted a miraculous recovery and spiritual renewal. His second book, Revelation ---at Last, followed the loss of his beloved Caroline, capturing his journey through grief and sharing stories of the healing power of God's love. His third book, Stories from The Hump, recounts his military service and wartime experiences, honoring the bravery of the men who served alongside him.Richard passed away on August 4, 2004. Through the devoted efforts of his daughter, Sharyn Elizabeth Turner Larson; grandson, Erik Richard Larson; and great-granddaughter Madailein Larson, his stories live on: testaments of courage, love, and faith. Sharyn Elizabeth Turner Larson (1945-2025) was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and editor. Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, and raised in the Carolinas and Florida, she graduated from Lakeland High School in 1964 and went on to earn both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Library Science from Florida State University (Go Noles!). After moving from Florida to Texas, she met and married the love of her life, Gerald ""Jerry"" Larson.They were devoted to one another over 50 years, and together they raised a family and made their home in Plano. She selflessly invested her time, attention, and love into her children and was actively involved with their activities, friends, and interests.Sharyn enjoyed sharing her faith, teaching Sunday School and Bible study classes for many years. Sharyn enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including making personalized greeting cards, stamping, and scrapbooking. She loved music, singing, dancing, entertaining and traveling. Above all, she loved spending time with her family.Sharyn was the driving force behind preserving her father, Richard W. Turner, Sr.'s wartime and spiritual writings. As editor of Third Chance, Revelation ---at last, and Stories from The Hump, she transcribed handwritten drafts, pored over punctuation and phrasing, and faithfully [shepherded, guided, curated, shaped, captured] his voice to the printed page. Their collaboration, marked by deep love and the occasional (ok, frequent) editorial debate, became a shared legacy, honoring his military service and the strength of their father-daughter bond.
