Harless A. Turner, 90, of Front Royal, Virginia and formerly of Glenville, West Virginia, departed this earthly life on Sunday, April 20, 2025 at his daughter’s home in Front Royal.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home with Sammy Campbell officiating. Inurnment will be private.
Harless was born April 5, 1935 in Letter Gap, West Virginia, son of the late Audy L. and Lennie Bell Kuhl Turner.
On December 24, 1954 Harless married the love of his life, Roseann. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership that spanned 66 cherished years, until her passing in 2021. Wherever one was, the other was close by – inseparable in heart and spirit. Their bond was deep, unwavering, and an inspiration to all who knew them.
Harless was a proud graduate of Normantown High School, Class of 1951, and Glenville State College, Class of 1955. He dedicated 30 years of service as a bank teller at United Bank in Glenville before retiring in 2000.
Throughout his life, Harless never met a stranger and wore many hats – teacher, bluegrass musician, volunteer fireman, car enthusiast, coin collector, and beloved storyteller, among others. In his free time, he enjoyed traveling across the United States and Canada, relishing the quiet life in West Virginia, and spending time at the Warren County and Gilmer County Senior Centers.
Above all, Harless treasured time with his family and friends, and especially loved doting on his grandchildren. His pride in his family was immeasurable; he never missed a chance to boast about their accomplishments and celebrate their lives.
Harless has been a member of the First Baptist Church of Glenville since 1961. He was a member of Glenville IOOF Lodge #105 and Glenville Rebekah Lodge #104 (Glenville, WV) and was a member of Nashville Encampment #1 and Canton R.H. Barry #1(Nashville, TN). Harless celebrated over 60 years of service to the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs. He was very proud of his involvement and built a huge extended fraternal family. He and his wife, Roseann, traveled all over the United States, Canada, and had the honor of visiting Cuba in 2005. During his tenure in the Odd Fellows, he served as Grand Master (1990-1991), Grand Patriarch (1981-1982) and Department Commander (1981-1984) all of West Virginia. He also served as Grand Patriarch in Tennessee (2018-2019).
Harless was elected Sovereign Grand Treasurer of The Sovereign Grand Lodge in 1999 and held that position retiring in August 2021. At which time, he was afforded the title, “Sovereign Grand Treasurer Emeritus”, for his distinguished record of service.
In his later years, he moved from Glenville, WV to Front Royal, VA to be with family in 2022. He soon became involved in Madison IOOF Lodge #6 and Inspiration Rebekah Lodge #106 in Winchester, VA. He was currently serving as the Noble Grand for the Rebekahs there.
During his time with the Odd Fellows, he was awarded the Grand Decoration of Chivalry, the highest honor bestowed upon an Odd Fellow, and the Meritorious Service Award.
Surviving is a son, Reginald “Reggie” Turner and wife Sharon of Edmond, Oklahoma; daughter, Angelina “Angie” Gamblin and husband John of Front Royal; two brothers, Hobert Turner of Buckhannon, West Virginia and Heryl Turner of Mineral Wells, West Virginia; one sister, Mayme McNemar of Glenville, West Virginia; three grandchildren, Joseph Turner, Crystal Christman and Amanda Robinson; and six great-grandchildren, Seren Turner, Cole Turner, Tristan Turner, Hayes Christman, Rhett Christman and Brianna Robinson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; three brothers, Hayward, Harper and Harold Turner; two sisters, Mabel Lazelle and Martha Turner; and a grandson, Jamie Turner.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 5-6 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests memorial contributions be made to the Madison Odd Fellow Lodge #6 or Inspirations Rebekah Lodge #106 ℅ John Roberts, 163 Sunshine Drive, Winchester, VA 22602.
Arrangements for a Celebration of Life in Glenville will be forthcoming.
Angie, I’m so sorry.
Prayers for you and your family.
We lost Dad on April 2nd.
Thinking of you, Connie Runyon
Harless was a great friend and a brother in the fire department here in Gilmer County
Angie and Reggie, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your dad, I loved him and Roseann like parents, a a matter of fact I called them “mom” and “pop”. He was an exceptional person who everyone loved. I know he will be sorely missed. May God bless you and your families and give you comfort.
Love, Becky
Harless was a kind, sweet, God fearing man that always wore a smile on his face!! He will be forever remembered! Prayers for the family!
So sorry to hear of Harless’ passing. We had known he and Rose for many years and always felt honored to be their friends. We had many fun years in the Knights of Pythians in Tanner, WV and great memories. We could never think of your Dad (and Mom) and not smile. Prayers for peace and comfort during this sad time.
Harless was one fine fella and a good friend. Roseanne and I were cousins, and I’d known Harless from the time I was very young. He will certainly be missed. Prayers for all the family for comfort!
Oh I hate to hear about Harless. He and Roseann were a great couple. They used to drive every evening to look at the deer at Newberne. The last time I talked to Harless he had come back to Glenville for the Folk Festival. He always had time to talk and always k new you. He said he had adjusted to his new situation of moving. Always a smile. Prayers for the family.
Harless was the sweetest man I have ever met. We may have only been neighbors for a short time, but his impact will forever last a lifetime. I am so grateful to have met him.
I am so sadden and sorry for your loss. My husband was involved in West Virginia IOOF in Ripley WV. My husband loved your Dad. and Mom. I buried my husband. in Dec 2024. He was a former Grand Master of IOOF of WV. My prayers are with all of you. God bless you and keep your family in his love and care.
Like so many others I have fond memories of your Dad. He always had a smile! He & my Dad would always have a story to go on about!
May God comfort you all as you grieve his passing.
Kathy Roten