David Leal Turner, Dave to his friends and acquaintances, and David to his ex-wife… passed away on March 3 2025, at the age of 70. David was born in Kalamazoo, MI on October 4, 1954, to Irwin and Mary (Bruce) Turner. His life was shared by an older brother, Bruce, and younger sister, Phyllis (Turner) Cornell and they grew up on Byrd Drive and then Terry Lane, in Portage, MI.

All who knew Dave realized what a dry sense of humor he had, and that he possessed what many would call a very “colorful glossary of words” and his single finger wave would 99% of the time put a smile on his face and the recipient’s. He had special nicknames for those closest to him, and, we will leave them there. Dave had an excellent memory and was very intelligent (thought he would proudly admit he hid it well), most of his friends would choose to be on his team in a game of Trivial Pursuit, Name that Tune, or What Artist Sang What Song.

On October 26, 1974 he married Denise (Croy) Turner and they welcomed their daughter, Erin, and son, Paul, to their family. Dave was active with AYSO as a referee and loved watching both Erin and Paul play soccer, and other sports. He was a member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Portage, MI, and a youth group leader for several years.

David graduated from Portage Central High School, Kalamazoo Valley Community College (Respiratory Therapy Program), and Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s in Accounting and Business Management. Over the course of his life he worked at Simpson Lee Paper Company, General Motors Fisher Body, Three Rivers Hospital, City of Portage, and Menards until retirement called his name.

Dave leaves behind his daughter, Erin (Turner) Masura (Tony), of Three Forks, MT; Paul Turner (significant other, Tammy Overloop) of Portage, MI; his grandchildren whom he loved dearly and was their Number One cheerleader for each in their life events, school and sports endeavors, Makayla Rose Turner, Austin David Masura, Madilyn Kathleen Turner, McKinley Elizabeth Turner, and Chloe Renee Turner; and his future daughter-in-law’s children, Grace and Spencer Overloop. Also mourning his loss are his former wife, Denise Croy-Remynse, sister, Phyllis (Bill) Cornell, Aunt Leora (Turner) Varricchio, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dave was predeceased by his parents Mary Katherine (Bruce) Turner and Irwin Turner, and brother, Bruce.