Mr. Leonard H. Turner

What A Good God-Fearing Man Leonard Howard Turner, affectionately known as "Pettie," was born on December 9, 1942, in Columbia, Missouri, to Betty Louise Turner and William Turner. At a young age, he moved to Colorado, where he began a life rooted in faith, family, and service. As a child, Leonard sang in the church choir, a sign of the Good God-fearing life that would guide him throughout his years. He attended Cole Middle School and Manual High School, forming lifelong friendships with Clarence and Matthew Vick. In 1964, Leonard was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed in Germany. While serving, he joined a group called The Inspirations, demonstrating his love for music and ministry. Though he aspired to become a paratrooper, God had other plans. Leonard was instead chosen to serve as a chef for the Army Colonel and his wife—an unexpected role that he later realized was part of God’s divine preparation for a life of serving both God and man. Leonard was a decorated Marksman who received numerous accolades for his skill in Artillery. But beyond his military achievements, he made a lasting impact by helping to sign into law the Grandparents’ Rights Bill, alongside Attorney Arthur Thad and Martha Smith. He went on to attend Denver Community College, where he earned his Associate’s Degree. He worked at St. Joseph Hospital and for the City and County of Denver, but his entrepreneurial spirit led him to become the first Black franchise owner of ServiceMaster in 1976. Over the next 40 years, Leonard earned countless awards for excellence and dedication. He trained franchisees—including those from China—on equipment use, cleaning methods and techniques, and disaster restoration. His customers remained loyal because Leonard was more than a businessman—he was a man of integrity, consistency, and compassion. What A Good God-Fearing Life In 1964, Leonard met the love of his life, Judith Barber, at a mutual friend’s house. They later married on September 23, 1967 and built a beautiful family together. Leonard was a father to Leonard, Leon, Dichelle, Danielle, Terrel, Isiah, and Rasheem (deceased), and a foster father to Onrae, Kenneth (deceased), and Kim. He was also a proud grandfather to many grandchildren whom he deeply loved. He cherished fishing trips and family vacations in his motorhome with Reginald and Alfreida York, Willie and Barbara James, and Quinndale and Annie Allen. Also on various occasions bringing along his children's friends to share in the trips to New York and California. Leonard also loved to go bowling. Leonard’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was a dedicated member of Emmanuel Christian Center under Pastor Alvin Simpkins’ leadership. Leonard loved the Lord with all his heart. During his illness he would stream church service every Sunday and sing along with the choir. His ministry extended beyond church walls. Once a week he taught the Children’s Bible study group and prayed for the young children in the neighborhood and at church. Afterward, he would treat them to outings at Chuck E. Cheese, bowling or skating. He also introduced many to the Young Marines at Buckley Air Force Base, where they received mentorship and discipline. Leonard had a generous heart. He made sure to support the Cochran /Sexton Family Reunion. During Christmas Leonard continued the family tradition of giving gloves, hats, and toiletries to the homeless. No matter where he traveled, he gave freely to the homeless and those in need living out his faith through acts of service. He was the proud co-owner of Turner’s Creation, a business that sold Christian shirts, hats, figurines, and Black history merchandise. He was well known in the community supporting Juneteenth, Black Arts Festival, Jazz Festival, Church Events and other prominent venues throughout Denver. Leonard loved and was inspired by the determination, strength and greatness of the Tuskegee Airmen, Buffalo Soldiers and Negro Leagues. He was honored to have met some of the Tuskegee Airmen while on Buckley Air Force Base. He also personally met Dennis Biddle a former Negro League player for the Chicago American Giants and received an autographed signed copy of Negro Leagues Book. He was a devoted son to his mother, Betty Turner taking care of her financially and buying her a home with his sister Anna Carter and caring for her until her passing. He frequently helped elderly family members, friends, and customers with appointments, groceries, and meals. Leonard saw people the way God sees them—with grace and love. No matter their situation, he spoke life into them, often saying, “Get your life right!” And “You need Jesus!” He was unashamed of the Gospel and loved to share it. Leonard served with honor, love, respect, and integrity. He was known to mentor veterans at the VA Hospital just to encourage and younger veterans, always eager to share wisdom and the Word of God. He came to serve and to protect through his military service, in his home, among his friends, at his job, and throughout his life. Service was not just his career, it was his calling. Truly, Leonard was a ServiceMaster in every sense of the word. Married and committed to Judy for 57 years, Leonard served well as a husband, father, and community leader. But most importantly, he served well as a man of God. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, William and Betty Turner, and siblings Dorsey Turner, Anna Carter, and Betty Tucker. His legacy of life will continue to live on through his wife Judith and his children—Leonard Turner, Leon Turner, Dichelle Turner, Danielle Brunson, Gregory Brunson, Terrel Turner, Isiah Turner and his beloved grandchildren and brothers Robert Turner and Lavero Turner. The baton has been passed, and his light will continue to shine through them all. What A Good Friday Fittingly, Leonard Turner’s homegoing service falls on Good Friday—a day symbolic of sacrifice, redemption, and eternal hope. It is no coincidence. Leonard lived a good, God-fearing life and now rests in the promise of resurrection, honored on the very day that changed the course of eternity. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8

Mr. Leonard H. Turner

December 9, 1942 - March 27, 2025