Senator Richard C. Turner View All Years

RICHARD C. TURNER

Richard C. Turner was born on September 30, 1927 in Avoca, Iowa, the son of Joe W. and Elizabeth C. Turner. He graduated from Avoca High School in 1945, served in the Air Force 1945-1947, graduated from the State University of Iowa (B.A.) in 1950 and College of Law (J.D.) in 1953.

He married Charlotte Forsen of Modale, Iowa in 1956 and they had three children, a daughter, Amy E. and two sons, Joe W. and Mark H.

Mr. Turner practiced law with his father, in Avoca and Council Bluffs from 1953-1967 in the firm of Turner & Turner. His record of public service is extensive, beginning his career as Avoca Town Clerk in 1953 and serving in that capacity until 1960. He was assistant county attorney for Pottawattamie County from 1954-1956. He was elected as a State Senator from Pottawattamie in 1960 and served during the 59th and 60th General Assemblies, and the 60th Extraordinary Session. On November 8, 1966 he was elected Iowa Attorney General, and was reelected in 1968, 1970, 1972 and 1974 (to a four-year term).

Mr. Turner was appointed United States District Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa by President Reagan in 1981 and served in that position until his death on September 28, 1986. During his tenure as Attorney General he was known for following the letter of the law, even though his opinions might bring adversity. At the time of his death, Governor Terry Branstad stated, “Turner dedicated a great deal of his life to protecting the public here in Iowa. He was a strong defender of law and order and a fair-minded prosecutor.” A personal friend said he loved his country, he loved law and he loved politics.

Mr. Turner was a member of Theta Xi and Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity, American Bar Association, Iowa State Bar Association, Polk County Bar Association, Southwest Iowa Bar Association, Pottawattamie County Bar Association, American Trial Lawyers Association, Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers, American Judicature Society, American Legion, 40 & 8, Waveland Park Masonic Lodge and Windsor Heights Presbyterian Church in Des Moines.

Now Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Senate of the Seventy-second General Assembly of Iowa: That in the passing of the Honorable Richard C. Turner, the State has lost an honored citizen and a faithful and useful public servant, and that the Senate, by this resolution, expresses its appreciation of his service to his community, state and nation and tenders its sympathy and kindest regards to members of his family.

Be It Further Resolved: That a copy of this resolution be spread upon the Journal of the Senate and that the Secretary of the Senate be instructed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

MICHAEL E. GRONSTAL, Chair

JACK W. HESTER

CALVIN O. HULTMAN

Committee