John W. Turk's Obituary
JOHN W. TURK
Services for John W. Turk, 85, of Longview will be noon 1700Z, Thursday, October 29, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church in Longview with Dr. Pat Sparks, Dr. Bob Parrott and Rev.David Lindwall officiating under the direction of Rader Funeral Home.
Mr. Turk was born April 3, 1924 in Clarksville, Texas to John W. and Elena Du Priest Turk and died October 26, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Geraldine Turk and Peggy Roberts.
Mr. Turk is survived by his wife of 64 years, Anne Dean Turk, and a niece and nephew.
Mr. Turk was a graduate of Longview High School, University of Texas-BS-M.E. Degree, and Harvard Advanced Management Program. He was a captain in the U.S. Marines during World War II, as a marine pilot.
John was employed by Southwestern Electric Power Company in 1949 and served as plant chief engineer of Lone Star Power Plant, supervisor of power plants, superintendent of power, vice president, executive vice president and elected president in 1983. He served on the board of directors of the company and as a member of the executive committee. He was named chairman in 1988. He retired in 1989 and continued to serve on the board of directors for many years.
John held the following position in other organizations: Chairman-Board of Directors, Southwest Power Pool; Board of Trustees, North American Electric Reliability Council; Executive Committee, Missouri Valley Electric Association; Chairman of University Associates, LSU-Shreveport; Member of Committee of 100, Shreveport, LA; Chairman Board of Trustees, Good Shepherd Medical Center; Chairman and Board Member of Financial Committee and Fine Arts Council, First Methodist Church, Longview; Director of Longview National, Texas Commerce, and Regions Banks; Council of Trustees, Gulf South Research Institute; Board of Directors, Shreveport Symphony; President, Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and recently recognized by Sabine Mining Company at their 25th anniversary of operation.
Mr. Turk received the James N. Landis Medal from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers-for outstanding personal performance in nuclear and fossil fuel power stations coupled with humanitarian pursuits in his profession.
Mr. Turk will be remembered as a visionary, philanthropist and great man in laying the groundwork for relative inexpensive sources of power generation used today. He leaves a legacy that lives in every kilowatt of low-cost electricity used in the SWEPCO system. AEP/SWEPCO currently has an electrical plant under construction in Arkansas that will be named in his honor.
John had many accomplishments in his life, but his greatest love was for his wife, Anne. John and Anne Dean were married January 5, 1945. Throughout their 64 years together, They traveled all over the world. His first concern always was for Anne and her?s for him. They both had a great devotion to each other, their friends and community.
John was a pilot?s pilot flying to the age of 83, amassing 10.000 2, 000 military-8, 000 civilian accident free hours in his aviation career. He was also known for his detailed travel logs which were enjoyed by many.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 400 N. Fredonia St., Longview, Texas 75601 or to the organization of your choice.
A memorial guestbook may be signed at www.raderfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?