A Tribute to Turk Turley

Hansel W. "Turk" Turley a 30- year resident of Mariposa, passed peacefully on Aug. 11, 2008. He was born in Bessemer, AL to H.W. arid Lena Mae Turley on Dec. 15, 1930.

He graduated from Jones Valley High School in 1949, where he had been the football team's quarterback, leading them to the first division league championship in the school’s history. He was also a star baseball and basketball player. Always an avid fisherman and camper he was a Boy Scout attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

He attended Troy State on a baseball scholarship and also played football. The Korean War was in full force and his first love of flying was waiting for him. After two years at Troy State he entered in to pilot training. After receiving his wings, Korea was winding down, so he was sent to Bitburg, Germany for his first tour. The next assignment was Semour-lohnson, NC.

At that time, he and Nancy were married. It wasn't long before Vietnam was starting and the family moved to Okinawa. They went back to Bitburg, where he became the commander of the 52 Fifth Bulldog Squadron winning the Top Gun trophy.

Mr. Turley ultimately spent two and a half tours in Vietnam and was a highly-decorated fighter pilot. He earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star and eight air medals. His meritorious career is only a glimpse of the legacy that Turk will forever leave behind.

After a long and distinguished military career, Turk and family moved to San Diego, where he went back to college receiving an MBA.

In 1978 the family moved to Mariposa where he was the airport manager/charter pilot. This position lasted eight years. With flying still in his blood, he purchased a Stearman. He and three other Stearman pilots performed in air shows throughout California for 17 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bill; son Brian Turley and granddaughter Meaghan Moreno.

Mr. Turley is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; daughter Lisa Moreno of Mariposa; grandchildren Staff Sgt. Matthew Moreno of Andrews Air Force Base Adam Moreno of Fresno, Lindsy Kate Whipley of Helena, MT, Amanda Turley of Nashville, TN; and great-grandchildren, Jake and Alyssa.

 

Click here to see a few pictures of Turk