Harold Emerson Turley, age 85, died January 12, 1997 in Farmington, Utah.
He was born November 22, 1911, in Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico to Edward and Ida Eyring Turley. He graduated from Gila Jr. College and completed his degree in physical education and business from The University of Arizona in 1935. He lettered in five sports (football, basketball, baseball, track and tennis) at Gila and lettered in basketball at the University of Arizona.He was awarded many honors for his athletic achievements throughout his life. At Gila he was the starting halfback in the first football game he ever saw (Ripleys's Believe It Or Not).
He married Ireta Pierce on November 26, 1937, in the Arizona LDS Temple. They are the parents of seven children: three sons, Harold Emerson, Jr. (Elaine) of Sandy; Brentnall Pierce (Carol) of Los Angeles, CA.; and Douglas Lee (Victoria) of LaCanada, CA.; two daughters: Luana Rogers (Daniel) of Farmington; and Lanae Turley-Trejo (Cachi) of Temecula, CA. A son, Kurt Eyring and a daughter, Ireta Maureen predeceased him. He has 27 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Harold played an important role, historically, in El Paso, Texas, and Mexico in ranching, farming, horticulture and banking, and as a leader in the LDS Church. He served as bishop, stake president and patriarch in El Paso. He was also called to serve as mission president and regional representative in Mexico.
He is survived by his wife, sons, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and two brothers, Clarence and Henry Eyring Turley. He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, two sisters and two children.
Funeral services will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, January 18th in the El Paso 5th Ward Chapel located at 400 Rosemont (Upper Valley) in El Paso, Texas, where friends may call one hour prior to services. Interment, Restlawn Cemetery.
If desired, contributions may be made to the missionary program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or to Brigham Young University.
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