Aubrey "Al" Turner

Aubrey, better known as Al to his friends was a very special man who was known by many as a unique craftsman and gifted carpenter; a person of character and responsibility; a father who was loved by his children who came to know and appreciate him; and most importantly man who was loved by God and in turn loved God with all his heart. 

Al was born on August 22, 1926, to Jack and Minnie Turner in Falco, Alabama, and grew up working on the family farm in Baker, Florida and was the next to the youngest of seven children that included Calvin, Clanton, Percy (Doc), Buddy, Eva, and Vernon. 

At 17, he joined the Navy in Pensacola, Florida where he was eventually stationed in Bayo, New Jersey. Al served on a supply ship transporting supplies and soldiers across the North Atlantic to Reykjavik, Iceland toward the end of World War II. His main responsibilities were not glamorous but important as he worked swabbing the deck, serving in the kitchen, sharing in the guard duties manning the guns, and watching for enemy aircraft and U-Boats, and eventually, he worked in the carpentry division making ship repairs. His travels also included trips to the Caribbean as well as to South America. He served in the Navy for 2 years and in that time, he earned a 3rd Class status with the Carpentry division. 

Recognizing his skill as a craftsman, toward the end of his active duty, the Navy helped him into a Carpentry Apprenticeship in Long Island, New York. It was while he was still in the Navy that he met Eleanor Hallett in Long Island, NY and after a brief courtship, they married on January 1, 1946. Al and Eleanor moved to Colorado Springs, CO in 1950 when the Air Defense Command was transferred from Long Island, NY to Colorado Springs where Eleanor was employed in the US Civil Service. 

Settling in Colorado Springs, Al used his woodworking skills for several Carpentry shops and his construction expertise with many construction companies including George Knox who played a significant role in the development of Vail, Colorado, and Gay Smith Construction Company. Over the years, Al built many homes including his own home in the North Cheyenne Canyon as well as in the Black Forest. Following his love for building and woodworking, he bought an old Victorian Home and renovated it into a beautiful masterpiece that was promoted in some of the most beautiful Victorian Homes in Colorado Springs. 

Al’s love for life was not only seen in using his unique craftsmanship but he also had a strong faith in God, and he served as an elder at Southside Bible Chapel where he would periodically preach, teach Sunday School, make decisions for the direction of the church and when needed would make needed repairs on the property. His love for Christ was an important part of his life.

In 1972, Al and Eleanor went their separate ways and by 1982, Al met Mae Sansen and was blessed by her three daughters Debby, Barbara, and Brenda who loved him and welcomed him as if he was their own father. 

Al loved to go fishing and was even known to go deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. In his earlier years, he enjoyed throwing a game of horseshoes and after retiring he was often seen on the golf course. He was an avid fan of the Colorado Rockies and the Denver Broncos. 

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