Melvin Eugene Turner

June 21, 1948 - February 3, 2021

Melvin Eugene Turner, age 72, of LaSalle, lost his battle with cancer and passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Angela Hospice, Livonia. Melvin was born June 21, 1948 in Monroe, he was the son of Dewey Ethridge and Mildred Juanita (Bowman) Turner. He was a graduate of Mason High School (1966) and attended Eastern Michigan University on a full scholarship, before serving his country in the U.S. Air Force from September 1968 until his honorable discharge in June 1980. While at Mason, Melvin was a star pitcher for the Eagles and still holds the state record for strikeouts in a game. Following his military service, Melvin spent considerable time in the sports entertainment field, including having a hit sports-talk radio show in Philadelphia and many annual publications regarding college and pro football. Melvin had an aptitude for math and greatly enjoyed the analytics of sports gaming. Later in life, Melvin pivoted from the sports world to religion and dedicated his remaining days to helping others. He was a member of LaSalle Presbyterian Church and was a dedicated volunteer especially with the Damascus House and other church-related organizations. He is survived by his two sons, Paul (Katie) Turner of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Ryan (Heather) Turner of Tampa, Florida; and four grandchildren, Ashley, Sydney, Emily and Chase. He was preceded in death by his parents. In accordance with Melvin’s wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park, LaSalle. Bacarella Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com