Dirk Turner

VISITATION: 3-4PM, Friday, June 14, 2013 at Shorten & Ryan Funeral Home, Mason

SERVICE: 4PM, Friday, June 14, 2013 at Shorten & Ryan Funeral Home, Mason


TURNER, Dirk Wesley. Beloved son of the late Charles E. and Barbara Ellen (nee Wade) Turner. Dear brother of Pam Friedrich, Bill Turner, Renae McCreay and the late Judy Linville. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Passed away Monday, June 10, 2013 at age 48. Friends may greet family from 3:00PM until time of service at 4:00PM, Friday, June 14, 2013 at Shorten and Ryan Funeral Home, 400 Reading Road, Mason, Ohio 45040. The family would like to welcome guests to join them for snacks and refreshments at the funeral home, immediately following the service.


Dirk Wesley Turner was born in Cincinnati Ohio on April 18th, 1965. He is the youngest of 5 brothers and sisters. It is no secret that he was the apple of his mother's eye! Dirk did all of his growing up in Mason Ohio. He is a graduate of Mason High School, class of 1983. He had a great circle of friends as he was growing in to adulthood. Many of them became members of our family and were often seen sitting around our dinner table, whether it was a holiday or just a Wednesday night. We spent more than one beautiful summer afternoon hanging out by the river, canoeing , fishing, or just enjoying the outdoors. Everything was better outdoors as far a Dirk was concerned, nature was where he loved to be. That also continued to be true throughout his life.

Dirk was also a great lover of animals, particularly his dogs, and he has had many throughout his life. He was so grief stricken over the loss of several beloved pets over the years. He always comforted his grief by adopting a new one. Always ready to love a new dog who needed a home.

Dirk was also passionate about music. From an early age he had the influence of his brother Billy and his brother in-law Jerry, both of which Dirk looked up to greatly. He was destine to pick up a guitar, and he had a mentor to help him learn. I often felt it was a great source of peace and pride for Dirk when he had a guitar in his hands. There have been a many late nights with a circle of guys strumming their guitars and singing great old tunes. These were some of the greatest memories from my childhood.

Dirk was very much like a brother to me, we grew up together. With only a 5 year age gap between us, he never felt like my uncle, always a brother. I was a kid with two working parents, so I spent a good deal of time at my grandma's house. He was a great big brother, he often did special things for my birthday. He got me the coolest gifts growing up. My first jean jacket came from Dirk as well as my first David Bowie album always accompanied by a hand made card. I am very grateful I held on to a few of them over the years. It is a joy to have them.

Dirk did get the opportunity to live in both Denver Colorado, and Key West Florida, but always came back home to Mason.

Dirk aslo had a great love of children, although he never had any of his own. His nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews meant the world to him and he loved them all dearly. It was also not unlike Dirk to pick up a candy bar or some kind of treat for the neighborhood kids. He was just cool like that.

Like so many of us, Dirk had his trials and tribulations over the years. He always remained a sweet kind soul, while he never had a great deal of wealth he was always willing to help someone in what ever way he could. Dirk was known to take in some one or some one's dog if they need a place to stay. He could always make sure you had a place to rest your head, a bite to eat, and a good time!

I am greatly comforted by his kindness of heart in life, and am assured he is at peace and happy to be called home to his mother, father, sister, and several beloved pets.

God rest rest his soul, may those beautiful blue eyes be smiling upon me from heaven.