Robert Earl Turner

Robert Earl Turner, 87, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. In a fitting and remarkable way, he entered his eternal home on his birthday.

Robert was born in Hodge, Louisiana, and was raised in Simpson, where he graduated from Simpson High School in 1957. He continued his education at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1961 before completing his master's degree in 1964.

To know Robert was to know genuine kindness. He had a remarkable gift for making every person he met feel important, welcomed, and loved. He cared for others as though they were members of his own family, and his warm smile, quick wit, and playful spirit could brighten any room. He loved to laugh, tease those he loved, and never missed an opportunity to bring joy to someone else's day.

Above all, Robert was a man of unwavering faith whose relationship with the Lord guided every aspect of his life. Wherever his career led him across Louisiana, he became an active member of his local church, worshipping at First Baptist Church of DeRidder, First Baptist Church of Lake Charles, First Baptist Church of West Monroe, and Sherwood Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. He faithfully served as a deacon in each congregation, including more than twenty years at First Baptist Church of Lake Charles.

Robert possessed an incredible passion for education and accounting. A true accountant at heart, he loved working with numbers. If there was a way to organize something into a spreadsheet, Robert was certain to find it. His love for teaching never faded. Even at 86 years old, he stayed awake through the night helping his granddaughter prepare for her accounting final because nothing brought him greater satisfaction than helping those he loved succeed.

His impact on education in Louisiana is difficult to measure. Over a career spanning more than sixty years, Robert taught accounting at Sulphur High School, Marion High School, Nicholls State University, McNeese State University, Northwestern State University, and the University of Louisiana Monroe. He also faithfully served as Comptroller and Vice President for Business Affairs at McNeese State University, as well as Vice President for Business Affairs at University of Louisiana Monroe. One of his proudest accomplishments was authoring the high school accounting textbook Accounting, which was adopted by schools in nearly every state and helped educate generations of students. In recognition of his distinguished service, he was honored with the Vice President Emeritus Award from McNeese State University. While his accomplishments were many, Robert never allowed his titles or awards to define him. His greatest achievement was the difference he made in the lives of the people around him.

More than anything, Robert loved his family. He was their biggest encourager, their trusted advisor, and their greatest example of faith, humility, and unconditional love. His wisdom, generosity, and gentle heart will continue to shape their lives for generations to come.

Robert is survived by his wife Karen Mahaffey Palermo, his daughter Leah Turner Moore (Paul), Step Children Troy Palermo (Alison), Kent Palermo (Wendi) and children, Jana Ferguson (Jared) and Children; and his grandchildren Bobby, David, and Anna Moore.

He is Preceded in death by his parents Luther and Bessie Turner; his first wife Carolyn Turner, sister Peggy Turner Matero, and his dear uncle Earl Mundy.

A Funeral celebration of Robert's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at First Baptist Church of DeRidder. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff. Visitation will resume at 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning at First Baptist Church of DeRidder prior to the service. Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Oak Grove Cemetery in Bentley, Louisiana.