Local native, once believed to be the oldest living Eagle Scout, to be laid to rest on Tuesday – All Are Invited
Francis Brown Turner of Flowery Branch, Georgia, will be laid to rest in Schuyler Falls Cemetery, Felton Road, New York, on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. He passed away on April 27, 2019, just short of 97 years old.
He was born May 13, 1922 in Plattsburg, NY, and was interested in his studies, sports and the scouts. By 1939 he was an Eagle Scout. Among his badges, was one for bugling. That year, at seventeen years old, he bugled twice at the United Nations Expo at the World’s Fair in New York City, which was held from 1939-1940.
His family fought for this country in a direct lineage to the Revolution under George Washington. His father received a purple heart for being an injured Marine at Bellawood in WWI, 73 years late. His family also fought in a direct lineage for the civil war, war of 1812, and the revolution, directly under George Washington. While in WWII, Francis served with the 395th engineer corp under General Patton in Europe and bugled for the Army.
After the war, he completed his teaching degree at Plattsburg College. He suffered from PTST, brain trauma, and knee injuries, but never complained. He married Barbara Randell and they had three down syndrome sons.
Francis took his scout pledge to “help others for as long as he could” seriously. In his lifetime, he did much charity work for veterans’ groups and his communities. He educated thousands of children about WWII and how to respect the flag.
Last year for his 96th birthday, he created a drive for Camp Corral for the children of fallen and disabled veterans, that took him from local promotions to two national television programs.
He graveside services will include the support of many veterans and scouts from many troops. It is an open service for all.
All heroes do not have a pivotal moment that changes the outcome of a situation. Mr. Turner was a humble hero as a teacher, a dedicated father, a loving husband, and an Eagle scout who was committed to leaving this world better than he found it.
Mr. Turner achieved all his goals with a life well lived.
Click here for more information on Mr. Turner.
Posted: October 7th, 2019 under Community Events, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Veterans' News.