Robert Earl Turman

Robert Turman, age 87 of Crown Point, IN passed away June 4, 2014. He was born on March 3, 1927 in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in a strong, strict, German family, raised by his grandmother. He went on to be the Valedictorian of his high school graduating class. He joined the US Army and served in the Finance Corp, under General Mc Arthur. While in the Philippines, he became a Disabled American Veteran when the vehicle he was riding in ran over a landmine. He suffered significant hearing loss. After being discharged from the Army, he attended college on the G.I. Bill. He studied at the Missouri School of Mines at Rolla, Missouri. While at school he was a founding member of a Chapter of Theta Xi Fraternity. He graduated with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. His degree brought him to U. S. Steel in Gary, Indiana. It was there that he met and married his wife Maureen. The couple settled in Merrillville, IN and had six children, Charles, Agnes, Robert, Caroline, Maureen and William. He had a dedicated and rewarding career at U. S. Steel, rising to upper level management. He was offered an early retirement at age 57. Remarkably, he was able to make the transition from Business Executive to Mister Mom look easy. He took up woodworking and built beautiful pieces of furniture. He made “dinner” for Maureen, who was still working. He also became a caregiver to his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. Robert had a long and productive retirement. He was just two years short of being retired as long as he had worked. In his last years of life, although he was in nearly constant pain, he maintained a cheerful disposition. He would often break into song like, “Go Tell Aunt Rhody” at a moment’s notice. He was always glad to have visitors and remained mentally sharp until his very last days. Robert was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Viola Turman. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Maureen (nee Brown) Turman; Six children- Charles Turman of Crown Point, Agnes (Wayne) Isailovich of Crown Point, Robert (Bonnie)Turman of Valparaiso, IN, Caroline Turman of Crown Point, Maureen Beth Turman (John Bernbom) of Chicago, William Turman of St. Joseph, MI; 10 grandchildren –Jonathan Meschede, Dan Simones, Steven Illes, Airika (Jason) Taylor, Adam, Eric, Joseph, Emily, Ellen Turman, Josie Bernbom, Adam Isailovich; great –grandchild – Xander Meschede. Friends are invited to meet with Robert’s family on Sunday, June 8, 2014 from 2-8 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point. Funeral service Monday June 9, 2014 beginning with prayers at Burns Funeral Home at 9:15 am to St. Mary Church, 321 Joliet St., Crown Point for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am., Rev. Patrick Kalich officiating. A veteran’s tribute will follow the mass. Services will conclude at the Church. www.burnsfuneral.com

Robert Earl Turman

March 3, 1927 - June 4, 2014