Carl Joseph Turner

Carl Joseph Turner passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, August 25th at home in Winter Garden, Florida. He leaves behind his wife of 20 years, Sarah “Rusty” (Martin) Turner, and his two daughters, Violet, age 2 ½, and Agnes, 10 months. Carl was born August 20, 1980. He graduated from Westerville North High School, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toledo, and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Ohio University. He was employed at 1898 & Co. (part of Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company) as a Senior Project Manager. For almost two decades, Carl was a proud member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Carl is survived by his parents, Edward and Joanne Turner; three siblings, Shelli Clark (Erik), Jon Turner (Angel), and Alan Turner (Norma); his mother-in-law, Jevene (Martin) Everson and stepfather-in-law Greg Everson; along with dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He cherished his relationship with his siblings and parents. Any time an Ohio State football game was on, he was on the phone with his dad and brothers. His parents and siblings were very important to him, and he worked hard at letting them know that, even though they lived a thousand miles away. Carl also had a warm, loving relationship with Greg and Jevene, and always felt right at home with them. Carl adored his wife and children and loved the opportunity to take care of them. Whether he was building a pantry or putting Violet’s hair in pigtails, he was his family’s “get it done” guy. He was a skilled craftsman and had a special talent for house projects — which was good because Rusty had a special talent for dreaming them up! Together, Rusty and Carl transformed their Orlando home into The Bohemian Palace. If ever Carl took the lead on a home project, he made sure to teach Rusty and Violet what he was doing. In fact, if you need to assemble a toddler bed, Violet would be able to help you out, thanks to her dad. A lifelong learner, Carl loved picking up new skills and listening to audiobooks. He was a history buff, a whiskey connoisseur, and a Euchre shark. If you had a question, Carl had an answer. If he didn’t, he would find the answer. Need to know how to change your oil? Carl. Need to learn about Alfred the Great? Carl. The lyrics to “Let It Go?” Violet — and also Carl. Carl loved watching sports, especially Ohio State football and the Boston Red Sox. He was also a big fan of professional and collegiate women’s volleyball. His passion for the sport started in high school when Carl joined the Westerville North volleyball team. He continued to play in college, and after graduation, played in competitive local adult leagues. Once a year, he competed in the USA Volleyball Open Nationals with his men’s team representing Orlando. From 2011-2015, he coached high school women’s volleyball. Carl also loved music and was involved in a variety of musical groups, from high school show choir to the UT Concert Chorale. He was extremely fond of church music, too, and always appreciated the musical offerings at mass. If you were ever within earshot, you probably heard him humming the bass line to a Christmas song or church hymn. Carl was kind, helpful, and generous. He was happy to wake up in the morning and go to a job he loved, and solve problems with people he respected and cared about. He was proud of his family and proud of the life they built together. His passing leaves a giant hole in this world, but as Carl believed, and as Violet will assure you, Carl is now with God. And one day, Violet knows that she and Agnes and Mommy will join them. As many of their friends and family know, Carl and Rusty were amazing Euchre players. If you’re familiar with the game, then you know that sometimes if one player has a really good hand, they will announce at the beginning of a round that they can “go it alone.” Shark that he was, Carl would often choose to “go it alone,” and then mop the floor with his opponents. Well, it’s not a hand she ever planned on being dealt, but Rusty now finds herself in the unenviable position of having to finish the game without her favorite person by her side. But thanks to Carl, and in honor of him, she’s going to find the strength to go it alone. A funeral mass will take place September 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church Chapel located at 5125 S Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32819. Please use the road entrance located south of the main entrance. A gathering for friends and family will follow. Interment will take place at a future date. Rusty’s Disney family has generously set up a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of her and her daughters to help with some of their financial needs. If you would like to contribute, you can do so at this link below. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-rusty-and-her-family-through-this-tragic-time

Carl Joseph Turner

August 20, 1980 - August 25, 2024