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Charles Turner, Former BMH Head, Dies

Jan 1, 2005

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Charles W. Turner

Charles W. Turner, 78, former editor and general manager of the Brethren Missionary Herald Company, died at his residence in Winona Lake, IN on November 27, 2004.

A graduate of Bob Jones University and Grace Theological Seminary, Turner held several Grace Brethren pastorates prior to assuming the BMH responsibilities. He moved to Winona Lake in 1971 after having pastored the Rittman, OH, Grace Brethren Church for 14 years.

Turner served six years as a BMH board member and then 22 years as Executive Editor and Publisher. He announced his retirement in 1991 and continued active as a consultant with the company until June of 1993.

Under his leadership BMH expanded both its bookstore and BMH Books publishing operations. When asked the greatest achievements of the Brethren publications, he always mentioned the “Grow Tract,” entitled ‘Life’s Most Important Question.” More than three million copies of the tract have been distributed, with some 40 denominations using it. In an interview in 1993 Turner said, “It has received the widest printing and distribution of anything in Brethren history. Literally thousands and thousands of people have been brought to Christ through this tract.”

Turner was born in Akron, OH. His wife, June, died April 15, 2003 after a long and debilitating illness during which time Turner cared for her in their home. Surviving are a son, Jeffrey, of Goshen, Indiana, three grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

In addition to his BMH work, Turner was active in Kiwanis, The Brethren Encyclopedia Project, and he was a member of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church. In retirement he co-owned a golf course in northern Indiana and was involved in radio station ownership and management.

He was moderator of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches in 1975. His commentary on the Book of Proverbs, entitled Wise Words, is available from BMH Books at www.bmhbooks.com or by calling 1-800-348-2756.

Memorial services were held at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church on Wednesday, November 30. Any gifts to BMH in memory of Turner will be used for facilities renovation of the BMH building, or as the donor requests.

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