Roger Alan Turner

Roger A. Turner, 59, Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Friday, December 30, 2016, at Olathe Hospice House. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, January 5, 2017, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Family will meet with friends from 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M., Wednesday, January 4, 2017, also at the mortuary. Cremation will follow with final resting place to follow at Highland Cemetery at a later date. Roger was born Monday, July 29, 1957, in Ottawa, Kansas, the son of Frederick and Beverly (Chapman) Turner. He was a lifelong Ottawa resident. He attended Ottawa schools; Sacred Heart School, Ottawa Junior High and Ottawa High School graduating with the class of 1975. Roger was united in marriage to Jayne Todd June 19, 1981, in Ottawa. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his two sons, Devin Turner and wife Nicole of Ottawa, and Bryan Turner of the home; and two siblings, Debbie Hough and husband Durwin of Ottawa, and Gary Turner also of Ottawa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Beverly Turner. Roger worked at Sonic Drive-In while in high school. He became employed for BERICO in Waverly, KS in 1978; Newport News Industrial from 1983 to 1985 during the construction of Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant (WCNOC) in New Strawn, Kansas. In November 1985, Roger began working as a permanent employee of WCNOC. He remained with this employer until his retirement in April 2015. Roger was originally employed as a maintenance worker at WCNOC. He later transferred to the Operations Department. In 1991, he began training as a Nuclear Plant Reactor Operator. He completed this training and was granted certification as a Licensed Nuclear Plant Reactor Operator in April 1993. Roger was integral to the forming of IBEW Local 225 and served as the first business manager of this new local. He continued to be very involved with the union and also served as a Steward, Chief Steward and Chair of the Joint Labor Management Team. Under Roger’s leadership, the first contract between WCNOC and Local 225 was negotiated. He continued to participate in contract negotiations as a member of the negotiations team for many years. He was a brother to all and a mentor to many. Roger was involved with Boy Scout Troop 74 from 2002 through 2016. He served as an adult leader and treasurer for several years. In 2007, he became Scoutmaster of the troop and remained in this position for almost 10 years. While Scoutmaster, 18 scouts achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, including both of his sons. In 2014, he was presented the District Order of Merit award by Heart of America Council, Twin Rivers District. In 2007, Roger was awarded the George Meany Award for Outstanding Service to Youth. This award is presented by the state’s AFL/CIO affiliate to Scout leaders who have volunteered numerous hours to support youth. Roger enjoyed camping with the scouts and spending time outdoors. He was very interested in woodworking and spent many hours working in his shop. He made projects for the family home and gifts for family and friends. He could fix anything and earned the reputation of being a “MacGyver” due to his ability to improvise, create, and think outside-the-box. He also enjoyed rock music and attending concerts with his friends and family. The family suggests memorial contributions to Franklin County Cancer Foundation or Boy Scout Troop 74 c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Roger’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com