Randolph Lee Turner

It’s Easter Sunday, outside the sun is shining, the wind is howling and 5 precocious, tired-from-egg-hunting kids are anxiously waiting for Easter dinner. Many years, seemingly a few blinks blink later and here we are, celebrating the life and mourning the passing of Randolph Lee Turner. Randy was born to Dina McDaniel and Boyce Turner, the eldest of Dina’s kids, on the 21st of October 1956.

He was raised in Vaughn and graduated with the class of 1974, a player for the Vaughn Eagles who won the Class A state championship that year, likely the greatest moment in Vaughn sports history. Not too long after, Randy served 4 years in the Air Force with an honorable discharge after duty in Italy. He lived in Albuquerque for a time where welcomed his awesome daughter, Sara Turner into the world before settling down back in Vaughn where he welcomed his wonderful daughter, Madison Turner with his long-time partner Juanita Barnes, also a resident of Vaughn. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Dina and Boyce, brother Steve Foote, and sister Paula Foote. Along with his daughters, he is also survived by his sister Pamela Cordova and Ronnie Foote, the last two of Dina’s kids.

Randy loved and cherished his entire family, immediate and extended. He was especially proud of and adored his partner, Juanita and his daughters. By far his proudest achievements. He was also very proud of his long-time employment at the Vincent ranch, where Dina also worked for years. He often mentioned Sara’s sports achievements and career helping women in transition, and Madison’s college graduation from UMN, recent marriage to Aidan Dunne and Madison’s work with autistic children. He left this beautiful world with unconditional love and great faith in their futures.

He found joy in his daily visits to Gramma Beatrice Gallegos’s and Uncle Celso Gallegos’s graves, where Dina and Paula are also interred, as he will be too, while he gave his cherished Border Collies, Einie and Evie a good run. Nita, Sara, Madison, Pamela and Ronnie would like to extend our sincerest thanks and gratitude for the family and neighbors who rained caring support and compassion on us through the years and hours as we moved through familial loss. Our gratitude also extends to the great people at Chavez Funeral Home and the Veteran’s Admistration.

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369.