Van Edwin Tuer

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Van Edwin Turner, of Blacksburg, Virginia, who passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, at the age of 82, following a courageous battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. Van was born on July 4, 1944, in Van, West Virginia, to the late David Anderson Turner and Lola Estelle Abbot Turner as one of the youngest of six children. He was a loving brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed by all who knew him. Shortly after graduating from Van High School, he joined the United States Army, serving as a Specialist 4th Class Officer of the 4th Infantry Division in the Vietnam War from 1965-1967. He served his country honorably, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. In 2024, he was also recognized with the Quilt of Valor as a tribute to his bravery and service. He remained active in veterans affairs for many years and served as a Commander in 2013 with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post in Christiansburg, Virginia. Following his military service, he began a long career with United Airlines, working as a Ramp Service Agent at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, and Dulles International Airport. He was known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and camaraderie with his colleagues. In addition to his airline work, he was certified as a locksmith - a skill he generously shared with friends, neighbors, and anyone in need of a helping hand. After retirement, he worked briefly as a night custodian for Prince William County Schools in Manassas, VA, and also volunteered as a TSA Assistant for Dulles International Airport. A man of many interests, Van loved planting large vegetable gardens that he shared with family, friends, and neighbors each summer. He also took great joy in watching birds, particularly one special cardinal with a missing leg he affectionately named “Peggy.” He also enjoyed painting, jigsaw puzzles, genealogy, traveling to all 50 states, and most of all, spending time with his loved ones. He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Hattie Sansom Turner; daughters, Amanda Covey (Lucas) and Christina Kurtz (Joel); and granddaughters Amelia, Evelyn, and Mazie Covey. He is also survived by his brother, Ron Turner (Marilyn); sister, Bonnie Cook; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Van is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joyce Turner; brothers, Roger and Kevin Turner; and brother-in-law, Phillip Cook. A graveside service celebrating Van’s life and honoring his military service will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, Virginia, with Pastor Bryan Katz officiating. Military honors will be rendered. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Van’s name. The family would also like to give a special thank you to Sarah Miller from Cornerstone Caregiving and the Medi Hospice Team for making Van comfortable during his final days.