Ernest Louis Turner

Ernest “Louis” Turner, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, peacefully entered eternal rest on February 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of those whose lives he helped shape.

Louis was born on March 28, 1939, in Malcolm, Maryland, to the late Clarence Arthur Turner and Irene Elizabeth Wright Turner. Raised in a large, close-knit family, he carried those same values of loyalty, hard work, and deep love for family throughout his life.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha Zenobia Turner, in 2024. Their union was blessed with two sons, Ernest “Glenn” Turner and Reginald “Reggie” Turner.

Louis took great pride in his family and especially cherished his role as a grandfather and great grandfather. He was a steady and familiar presence in the lives of his grandchildren, Reginald “Deontye,” Alicia, and Jovaun Turner. His love extended even further to his ten great grandchildren: Da'Mari, Jaylah, Aniaya, Carter, Jaxson, Bryson, Dain, Remedy, Messiah, and Kaydence Turner.

Louis was also preceded in death by his sisters, Effie Irene Chapman (2023), Bernice Makle (2011), Daisy Ellen Wade (2007), Georgeanna Gross (2006), Thelma Glascoe (2000), and Dorothy Wade (1972); and his brothers, Roy Turner (2017), Thomas “Tat” Turner (2007), James “Garnell” Turner (2005), Seabright Turner (1988), Cranshaw Turner (1981), Curtis Turner (1977), Bernard Turner (1976), Albert Turner (1971), and William Arthur Turner (1969).

Louis found joy in the simple moments spent with family. He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to fish, riding together on the lawn mower, cooking out on the grill where he made sure his meat was crispy and sharing stories along the way. A man who appreciated honest work and the outdoors, Louis could often be found in the yard even in the summer heat wearing his long sleeve shirt, suspenders, and hat as he tended to his garden. He also liked tinkering under the hood of a car or truck and took pride in keeping his vehicles running. If you were willing to learn, he was ready and willing to teach.

Louis loved to cut up and enjoyed a good laugh. He was an avid sports fan and wouldn’t go a football Sunday without watching his Washington Redskins. His easygoing nature and sense of humor made him someone everyone enjoyed being around.  His grandchildren have fond memories of their weekends spent in the basement with him, eating his infamous plain potato chips, watching television, searching for the remote or the TV Guide, while enjoying bananas, ice cream sandwiches and sharing his peanuts. It was in those ordinary moments that he reinforced the value of family.

He leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Glenn Turner and Reggie (Yvette) Turner, his grandchildren, Reginald “Deontye” (Dani), Alicia, and Jovaun; his ten great grandchildren; his surviving brother, Roland Turner; and a host of extended family members and friends whose lives were touched by his warm spirit and steady presence.

To some, he was Ernest. To most he was Louis. To his sons he was Dadda, and to his grandchildren and great grandchildren he will always be their loving Pop Pop.

His legacy lives on in the family he loved so dearly.

Friends may visit with the family Monday, March 9, 2026 from 10 am until time of funeral service at 11 am in The Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, 3439 Livingston Road Indian Head, MD 20640. Interment private.