Lawrence Thomas “Larry” Turk April 6, 1964 ~ February 6, 2023

Larry Turk was a standout San Juan Bronco football player. His father remembers the most thrilling play he ever saw Larry make in Kirtland, NM.
Larry was playing both offense and defense. While on defense a Kirtland player broke through the line and was streaking to a touchdown. Larry ran him down and pulled him to the ground with a casted broken arm. Larry was like that all his life. He had an unbelievable self-assuredness and stamina.
In 1988, Larry joined the US Army as a combat engineer. He graduated as the honor graduate of his combat engineering program and was elected by his class to receive the leadership award.
After his training he joined the 7th Light Infantry at Fort Ord, CA. From there he was a part of the recovery effort for San Francisco after the 1989 earthquake for which he was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal.
Two months later, his unit was deployed to Panama as a part of Operation Just Cause. He air-assaulted into that conflict and was engaged in serious hand-to-hand combat. For that deployment, he was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
Just months later he deployed to another combat zone as a part of Operation Desert Shield. For that combat he received the Southwest Asia Service and Kuwait Liberation Medals.
He was being actively recruited by the Delta Force by the end of his enlistment. He was interested, but he sacrificed that opportunity to deal with a family emergency and did not reenlist.
He exited the Army as Staff Sergeant (E-6). During his military service Larry suffered a fractured back which slowly over the years ultimately led to the conditions that took his life two months short of his 59th birthday.
Larry made his way back to Blanding in 1994, where he met and married the love of his life Katie. They had both struggled through some difficult times, but they were able to blend their families from a his, hers and theirs into one that became a strong, unified, and caring family.
Larry started a new career with the National Park Service as a maintenance worker/custodian at Hovenweep National Monument, from which he advanced to be director of maintenance for the Hovenweep and Natural Bridges National Monuments.
His work ethic and drive were noticed, and he was detailed to the Tumacacori National Historical Park, then selected as the Facilities Manager for the Padre Island National Seashore.
From there he advanced to Superintendent of the Aztec Ruins National Monument and then Chaco Culture National Historical Park was added to his responsibilities.
His final promotion was to be Superintendent of five national parks in New York State, including the Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site, the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, and the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site.
Larry had started his career cleaning toilets at Hovenweep and ended it as a GS 14 and as a dinner guest of the President of the United States in the White House.
His military injury and its complications eventually took their toll and he had to medically retire in 2019. Larry often said, “you might kill me, but you’ll never defeat me.” He proved this throughout his life.
Larry was blessed with six children: Russell (Richie), Colby, Amber, Saige, Kelby, and Palmer; and 20 grandchildren. Three of his sons fulfilled honorable foreign language missions to Brazil, Argentina, and Taiwan.
All his children and grandchildren survive him as do his parents Toni and Barbara Turk, and his brothers Robert and David Turk and their families.
Larry approached life his way and overcame many obstacles along the way. What Larry and Katie accomplished professionally and with their family beat all the odds.
He died February 6, 2023, in the Intensive Care Unit at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo after first being treated in the ER at Blue Mountain Hospital and then life flighted to Provo.
The staff at both facilities gave their all and the family wishes to convey their appreciation to them for their valiant effort.
It’s great to live where we do, where people know you and your family and reach out to give help, support, and comfort.
Larry was buried Wednesday, February 15 in the Blanding City Cemetery with full military honors. We wish to thank all who stepped forward to lend a hand during our moment of loss. A very special thanks from Katie and her children to the Palmer family at San Juan Mortuary. You made this extremely difficult time much easier. Thank you!