Donald Grey Turner

July 2, 2020

Donald Grey Turner passed away peacefully on July 2, 2020. He was a native of Lancaster and the oldest son of Jean Underwood and Robert Turner Don devoted his life to the defense of this nation, faithfully serving his fellow Americans for 47 years, including 28 as a United States Marine. His career, from the Vietnam era through the Cold War and the Global War on Terrorism, included service on the high seas and across four continents. Long before others recognized the threat, Don was the architect of the Corps’ antiterrorism training and operations that later enabled an effective military response when terrorism struck the homeland and American interests abroad. In the aftermath of the first Gulf War, the Corps again turned to Don to lead a vital and demanding mission in the US Military Training and Material assistance to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A career infantry officer, Don retired in 1996 as a Lieutenant Colonel who never forgot his own enlisted origins that gave him a lifelong empathy and bond with enlisted Marines. Forsaking his well-deserved rest after retirement, Don answered the call as a civilian for another 19 years to represent the US military in collaboration with multiple allies to develop advanced warfighting capabilities. Significantly, his work in fratricide avoidance directly saved many American and Allied lives on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. Never seeking personal recognition, while always crediting others for his success, Don embodied the Corps’ motto “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful) in his lifelong devotion to his Nation, Family and Friends. Don’s adventures were shared with Melanie, his wife of 44 years, and his children Travis (Sharon) and Megan. In 2015, Don was happy to retire to Lancaster and enjoy the company of his siblings Carol Parker (Randy), Jane Long (Robert), Peggy Little (Donnie), BJ Mishoe, Terry Turner (Robin) and Eleanor Turner. Lancaster Funeral Home & Cremation Service is serving the family of Mr. Turner.