Buren Turner, 96, of Somerset, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. His life, one of strength, integrity, and dedication, left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Funeral services were held at Pulaski Funeral Home on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow in the Turner Family Cemetery on Buren Turner Road.

Buren was born on April 14, 1928, in the Ano community of Pulaski County, to the late Everett Turner and Anna Arthur Turner. As the oldest of six siblings, he carried the responsibility of leadership and care from an early age.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Oma Collett Turner, sons, Rodney "Roddy" Turner, Rick Turner, and Dwight Griffith and a granddaughter, Brittney Collett Shoap.

Buren is survived by his devoted children: Lana Minix (Ish), Gerri Mounce, Paula Nicely (Beney), Marti Huff (Terry), Ronald "Rooney" Turner (Bobbie), Lynn Griffith (Barbara), Tammy Griffith, and Bridgett Turner. He also leaves behind his close friend and confidante, Aaron Benge. Additionally, Buren was proud to be a grandfather to twenty grandchildren, a great-grandfather to forty great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandfather to six great-great-grandchildren.

A man of extraordinary character, Buren's life was marked by a deep commitment to his work, his family, and his community. From the age of eight until ninety-three, he worked tirelessly with his hands, leaving a legacy as an accomplished craftsman, builder, farmer, logger, and sawmill owner/operator. His hard work and perseverance were always carried out with dignity, grace, and respect for the land.

Buren's love for his farm in Eastern Pulaski County was unmatched. The land, which had been shaped by his ancestors and now lies within the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest, provided him with peace and strength throughout his life. It became a sanctuary where his family and friends could gather, and people from across the country including Washington State, California, Florida, and Maine, now come to marvel at the beauty and tranquility of the place where he has derived much of his strength and resolve.

A devout man of faith, Buren was a proud member of the Clifty Grove Baptist Church, where his spiritual journey was deeply rooted. He was baptized on the same day as the attack on Pearl Harbor, and throughout his life, he upheld the values of the church founded by his ancestors. Keeping his family's history alive was important to him, and he was a cherished storyteller who kept the past alive for future generations.

Buren's authenticity, independence, and unwavering sense of self were among his defining qualities. He remained true to his values, no matter the trends of the time, and followed his own path with confidence and conviction. Known for his quiet strength and steadfast calm, Buren's presence was a comfort to all. As one friend put it, "No matter what was happening, if Buren was there, everything seemed okay—even if it wasn't."

He was a friend to all and a cherished neighbor. Buren's legacy is one of humility, love, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit, grounded in the values he held dear, will live on through the countless lives he touched.

Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Buren Turner.

The Turner family and the staff of Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home sincerely appreciate the kindness of Pulaski Funeral Home.