Funeral services have now been announced for longtime Roberts-Blue-Barnett owner Mike Turnbull after his passing earlier this week.
Turnbull’s funeral will be at 11 am Tuesday at Emporia’s First United Methodist Church. There is currently no word on additional services.
Those who worked with him are remembering him as a leader, community builder and mentor.
Main Street Director Casey Woods says Turnbull had a tremendous impact on Main Street and on Emporia as a whole, in part through his support of the Start Your Own Business course.
Turnbull was associated with the David Traylor Zoo since the mid-1980s, and Director Lisa Keith said Turnbull loved the community.
City Manager Mark McAnarney called Turnbull somebody who loved life and his community.
Longtime KVOE employee Roger Hartsook remembered Turnbull’s generosity.
Turnbull passed away March 5 at his home at Lake Wabaunsee near Eskridge. He was 68.
A one-time student at Emporia State University, Turnbull also graduated from the University of Minnesota’s School of Mortuary Science in 1972. He then worked at the funeral home as an intern before buying the business in 1977.
Turnbull was on the Trusler Foundation board and was also active in the local Shriners among other community activities.
Click here for KVOE News’ original story on Turnbull’s passing.
