Dennis Michael Turman

Dennis Michael Turman (Mike), 74, of Amarillo, TX went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on October 8, 2017. Mike was born to Fred and Eva Turman on February 24, 1943 in Denver, CO.

Mike lived a full life. He spent his youth in various places including the Cheyenne, Wy. area, Springfield, MO., and the Denver, CO. area. As the only boy in a family of 3 sisters, Mike enjoyed the "challenges" that brotherhood brought to his youth. He was both the greatest pest and protector of all three of sisters (Peggy, Shannon, and Sheila) and had the wonderful opportunity to see them all together shortly before his death.

Mike graduated from Golden High School in Golden, CO. in 1961. Shortly thereafter he entered the Army and was stationed at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, GA. where he met the love of his life, Georgia native, Mary Helen Sutton. The two were married on June 22, 1963. On March 12, 1964 the first of two sons was born, Patrick John Turman with their second son, Kevin Michael Turman being born on May 15, 1967. Mike, Helen and the boys were known for moving as they lived in Broomfield, CO.; Decatur, Marietta, and Gainesville, GA.; and Arvada, and Cuchara, CO. between 1964 and 1987. While all locations were unique and special in their own way, Mike often said that their time in Cuchara (1979-1987) produced the fondest of memories.

Mike enjoyed many things in life but his three loves were family, music, and teaching. Mike was dearly loved by all his family and was known as the "talker" at every family event. He loved his wife and two sons more than anything. His love for music came second and began at a young age. He not only loved listening but enjoyed playing music in countless bands over the years. He especially enjoyed singing and playing at family gatherings with his sisters, sons, and nieces Kellie, Carrie, and nephew, Chris. He was an accomplished bass player and tubist and was highly skilled at both instruments. Throughout his adult life Mike held many jobs ranging from collections, to sales, to carpentry, to caretaker but ultimately his love for teaching music came later in life. After receiving his BA from Metro State College in Denver, CO. and a Master's Degree from the University of Wyoming, Laramie, Mike went onto teach in various schools until retirement in 2009 from Martin Luther King Elementary in Rio Rancho, NM. After retirement, Mike and Helen moved to Whitehall, MT. to live near Kevin's family and their grandchildren. After experiencing Montana's winters for two years, as well as the development of health issues, Mike and Helen decided to move to Amarillo, TX. to be near Pat's family. It was while they lived in Montana that Mike accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Eva Turman as well as his grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Helen Sutton Turman; sons Pat (Lynn) Turman and Kevin (Christy) Turman; granddaughters, Sateva (16), Faith (16), and Grace Turman (13); sisters Peggy Miller, Shannon Ouwendyk, and Sheila Wells; as well as numerous brothers/sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, November 5, 2017 at 3 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 6900 Hillside Road, Amarillo, TX. 79109. In addition there will be a memorial service in Colorado in the summer of 2018 (TBA).