Merald G. Turner MD

Merald G. Turner, MD. Merald was born March 5th 1915 and passed away June 29th 2012. Born in Davisburg Michigan to Clarence Gilbert (Gill) Turner and Mary Elizabeth Pennell and was the 3rd born of six siblings. He grew up in Davisburg where he learned farming and a very strong study and work ethic. After graduating from Holly High School June 9th 1932 at age 17 he worked odd jobs until he could start college at Northern Michigan University. During his stay at NMU he was a bartender, worked as a short order cook and cut logs in the summer time. He graduated from NMU with a Bachelors degree in history and political science. These were just part of his lifetime interests. After graduation he started Engineer School at the University of Michigan which lasted 2 years until he switched over to medical school at Wayne State University. During the beginning of World War Two he worked at the Vickers plant in Detroit making bomb sights. He held dual positions as the general manager’s secretary and working in the infirmary. Upon graduating medical school in the class of 42/43, he did a year residency at the Goodrich Hospital. Two days after his residency he was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Medical Corp. He married Elaine M. Woodward on December 24th 1942 and they remained married for sixty eight years until her passing in May of 2011. During his service years he made stops in several south Pacific Islands including Saipan and Tinian Islands. It was from Tinian Island the Army Aircorp launched the Enola Gay bomber that dropped the atomic bombs on Japan. At the time the bomb was dropped, he and his battalion were on a troop ship headed towards a landing of the Japanese mainland at Honshu. After the Japanese surrender his battalion became part of the minimal occupation forces with Captain Turner setting up and running a dispensary in Yokohama. Shortly after receiving orders to come home, he was given new orders to serve as the medical consultant to the war crimes trial and was extended in Japan another 9 months. When finally released he came home to meet his daughter who was nearly two years old for the first time. After a short time working for another doctor, he opened his own practice in Flint where he practiced general medicine and obstetrics until he closed his office in 1994. He once recalled that he delivered over 2,300 babies in his lifetime. He maintained his medical licenses and his continuing education until 2010. He is survived by his son Michael O. Turner of Bridgeport, daughter Renee N. Siwarski of Venice Florida (Glen), granddaughters Lisa M. Clark of Fort Collins Colorado, Sara C. Twining of Idaho Falls Idaho and grandson Travis J. Turner of Fort Collins Colorado. In addition, two great grand children Harper Clark and Calen Twining as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Thurs. July 5, 2012 at the Dryer Funeral Home, Holly, with Rev. Jay Gantz officiating. Burial will be in Davisburg Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-8 PM Wednesday. wwwdryerfuneralhomeholly.com

Merald G. Turner MD

March 5, 1915 - June 29, 2012