Brattleboro- Elmer Herbert Turner, 88, of Central Street, a resident of town for the past 64 years died peacefully Wednesday morning, May 18, 2011 at his home following a period of declining health. Mr. Turner was born in Brattleboro on September 22, 1922 the son of Elmer and Sadie (Potter) Turner. He was raised and educated in West Townshend and was a graduate of Leland & Gray Seminary, Class of 1941. On December 16, 1942, Elmer married Ruth Allen, his high school sweetheart. Shortly after he was married, Elmer was called into service for his country. A proud (but quiet) veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in the European Theater of Operations taking part in the D-Day Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. Following the end of hostilities and his honorable discharge from active service he returned home to the Brattleboro area. For 27 years Elmer owned and operated Turner's Tydol, Flying A Service station located at 120 Canal Street and in conjunction with the station he operated a paving business for several years. Upon the sale of the business he ran his own repair shop and also worked for Hugh Sparks Construction Co., driving truck and operating equipment, work that he thoroughly enjoyed. Mr. Turner was a member of the West Townshend Congregational Church, the American Legion, Brattleboro Post #5, and was a member of the B.P.O. Elks, Brattleboro Lodge #1499 for over 50 years. In his leisure time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at a family owned hunting camp in West Wardsboro. He was a Red Sox fan, followed the New England Patriots and frequently watched golf on television. He also enjoyed RV camping and with his wife traveled across country with their Airstream trailer, a memorable trip that took six months. He was an accomplished woodworker and enjoyed puttering around his home. Elmer was always ready, willing and able to help a neighbor or someone in need of assistance and would humbly refuse any payment or credit for what had been accomplished. For eighteen years, Elmer and Ruth wintered in Englewood, Florida enjoying the warm weather and friendships which developed over the years. Besides his loving wife of 68 years he leaves, one son Floyd "Pal" Turner and wife Margaret of Cape Coral, Florida, a daughter Lyn Dorman and husband Michael of Jackson, Michigan, two granddaughters, Kristi Harkness and Kari Woolf and five great- grandchildren, Isaac, Micah, Joel, Nathan and Turner August. Additionally he is survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Clarence Turner. Graveside committal services will be conducted Saturday at 2:00 P.M. in West Wardsboro Cemetery with Peter Carlson, Pastor, officiating. In the event of rain or unfavorable conditions, the service will be held at the West Wardsboro Baptist Church. A reception at the church will follow the service. There will be no calling hours at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Mr. Turner's name may be made to Rescue Inc. or the West Wardsboro Baptist Church.