Larry “Chief” Joe Turk age 84 of Washington passed away at 8:35 pm on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at The Villages at Oak Ridge.
Larry was born March 15, 1937 in Washington to Peter A. and Laura (Jerger) Turk. He was a 1955 graduate of Washington High School and member of the Knights of Columbus and Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church. Larry served in the Navy from June 1, 1957 until June of 1963 with an honorable discharge. Larry served the City of Washington on the Fire Department from January 16, 1961 through February 7, 1997. He was fire chief from January 1, 1976 until his retirement. He frequently visited with his many friends at the White Steamer, The Tuxedo and the Knights of Columbus.
Larry is survived by his children Kim Turk of Cary, NC and Jeff (Lisa) Turk of Fort Mills, SC and two grandchildren, Lucas and Taylor.
He is preceded in death by his wife Jimalea (Lents) Turk who he married August 8, 1959 and lost April 18, 2018; his parents; brother Vincent Turk and sister Kathryn Mascoe.
Visitation will be at Ed Lee Mortuary North Chapel, 620 E. Viola Ave, on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a rosary at 6:30 PM by the Knights of Columbus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church at 10:00 am with Father Paul Ferguson as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, please make donations in Larry’s honor to: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105: Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KA 66675 or Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 315 NE 3rd St., Washington, Indiana 47501. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.edleemortuary.com. All arrangements were entrusted to Ed Lee Mortuary.
