Rev. Lester W. Turner

Rev. Lester Winton Turner went to be with the Lord on November 14, 2009, in his home in Bel Air, MD. He was 89 years old. Rev. Turner was born on May 14, 1920, in Warrensville, NC. He was a charter member of Emmorton Baptist Church and was instrumental in the establishment of the original church on Wheel Road in Bel Air. He was elected pastor on November 30, 1949, and continued in that position until July 1987. After resigning as pastor, he was given the honor of being elected Pastor Emeritus. He still served the Lord faithfully by preaching on occasions and was a teacher in the Bible Institute for several years. He was determined to serve the Lord until he died. Although seriously ill, he still preached meetings whenever his health allowed. He led Emmorton Baptist Church in purchasing new land to build a bigger church in 1957. With the Lord leading and the men of the church helping, they completed the new church and held their first service on January 17, 1962. The church grew, and again a bigger place of worship was needed. Under Rev. Turner's leadership, they purchased a 12-acre tract of land on Plumtree Road, which now houses Emmorton Baptist Church and two parsonages. The building was dedicated on September 4, 1994. He was also instrumental in the establishment of several other churches, including Bel Forest Baptist Church, Bel Air, MD; Harford Furnace Baptist Church, Belcamp, MD; Nottingham Baptist Church, Nottingham, PA; and Cornerstone Baptist Church, Dublin, MD. For many years he conducted a weekly radio program in Havre de Grace, MD. He also hosted seventeen trips to the Holy Land. Rev. Turner is known throughout Harford County for his faithful ministry and his gentle soul. His selfless dedication to the Lord and his church was second to none and a testimony to all who knew him. His passion in life was to see people saved and living for the Lord. He has touched the lives of so many people. He will be missed and not soon forgotten. His children and grandchildren will remember him as a giant among preachers, but also as a tender, compassionate father and grandfather who encouraged all of them to serve the Lord. He was a shining example to all who knew him. When he wasn't spending time with his family or preaching the Gospel, he loved to be in his vegetable garden. He was famous for his green beans and tomatoes and would gladly provide them to all his family and friends.

Rev. Turner was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Virginia (Day) Turner; two brothers, Paul Turner of West Jefferson, NC and Rev. Roy Turner of Havre de Grace, MD; three sisters, Edna Black of West Jefferson, NC, Blanche Evans of Churchville, MD, and Lucy D. Pillion of Edgewood, MD; his wife, Pauline (Polly) Turner; and his son, Larry Turner.

He is survived by two sisters, Hazel Wright of Havre de Grace, MD and Thelma Caderette of Boyne City, MI; five daughters, Patricia Arnold of Edgewood, MD, Brenda Bielat of Bel Air, MD, Delores Gentry of Crescent City, FL, Debra Turner of Timonium, MD, and Pamela Lewis of Boyertown, PA; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Emmorton Baptist Church in honor of Rev. Lester Turner to establish a library of reference books for young preachers. It was always his desire to help and encourage young preachers.

Our sincere thanks for the numerous cards, calls, visits, food, and prayers. A special thank you to Emmorton Baptist Church for all their help and support.