William Dee Turner was born in Muskogee, Okla., on Sept 11, 1939, the oldest son of Maxine and Chuck Enterline. He was graduated from Rangely High School in 1958 and immediately joined the United States Army. He was a paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne and played football for the All-Army team. His team played in the Freedom Bowl.
In 1961, he was honorably discharged and attended the University of Utah under a full ride football scholarship. He played right guard for the Utah Utes, graduating in 1965. In the fall of 1964, his football team won the Liberty Bowl. They were the winningest football team in Utah history, a record held until 1995.
In 1961, Bill married Ann Sheridan. Shortly thereafter, their first son, Kai Mark, was born. Casey Timothy and Keenan Patrick were born while Bill was attending college. He began his teaching and coaching career in Cortez for a year, then onto Mullen High School in Denver. While at Mullen he coached, mainly football and wrestling. During this time, Coley Vance was born.
In 1971, Bill brought his family to Meeker, where he taught biology and coached football and wrestling until he retired in 2000. Bill took more pride in his students’ achievements than his own. Bill’s family became complete with the birth of his twin daughters, Molly Tiger and Hallie Gretta in 1977.
After retirement, he poured his energies into following his wife across different countries and his grandchildren to many different sporting events. Almost every weekend, Bill could be found in a gym or rodeo arena.
Bill was inducted into the CHSAA Hall of Fame in 1996. The Liberty Bowl Team was also inducted into the University of Utah Hall of Fame in 2014. He was named wrestling coach of the year numerous times. His wrestling teams won state once and second 13 times, and he coached 170 state placers.
Bill was preceded in death by: his parents, Maxine and Chuck Enterline; his son, Casey Timothy; and his grandson, Angelo Thomas Theos.
He is survived by: Ann, his wife of 54 years; his children, Kai (Jamie), Keenan, Coley (Kellie), Hallie Blunt (Kurt), and Molly Theos, all of Meeker; 15 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Judy Jimenez (John) of California, Pam (Gary) Hopkins of Pagosa Springs, Harold Ray of Wyoming, Mike (Joy) of Montana, Joe (Linda ) of Wyoming, Debbie Gabin (Mike) of North Carolina, and Rory (Tracy) of Montana.
Bill’s memorial service is on Saturday Feb. 28, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Meeker High School. Memorial donations may be made at the Bank of the San Juans (formerly First National Bank of the Rockies) to benefit the Meeker wrestling program.
Thank you Coach.
I’ll never forget the day I dissected my frog! He laughed so hard at me that day! Great man! may your family be wrapped in the loving arms of JESUS during this time and know that no matter how far we are from Meeker it is always home and losing someone there affects so many people near and far. My love and prayers are with you all!
Bill was a friend from high school that I always looked up to. Over the years of my visits to meeker I saw him many times and along with Ann always enjoyed the visit.
Bill Turner was a great man who always took the time to see that you were doing fine. Will besides by all
A great man, a great family, your all in my prayers.
I was sadden to see Coach Tuner had passed away. I grew up in Steamboat Springs and wrestled under another great coach Carl Ramunno. Coach Turner just like Coach Ramunno loved the Kids and served them Honorably. He will not be forgotten by myself for who was lucky enough to get to Wrestle against his teams. I wish the whole family the best.
I am broken hearted to hear of the death of my friend and mentor. I wrestled in the mid seventies for Coach Turner, He fed pancakes to our soul. 🙂 Coach was the world to me. I grieve for the sons and
daughters left behind. Kai, keep the faith, I love you and God Loves you, keep your family strong.
Tyrone White