MARCH businessman and funeral director Mr David Turner died peacefully on August 21 after a short illness, aged 88.

Born in March, the son of local carpenter, builder and undertaker, Mr Elihu Turner and Mrs Cissie Turner, he was educated at March Hereward School for Boys.

After leaving school aged 14, Mr Turner joined his father’s business and trained as a carpenter and joiner. In the late 1940’s he served as a leading aircraftsman in the Royal Air Force where he was posted to India, building and maintaining gliders. On completion of his National Service, Mr Turner, returned to the family business.

In 1951 he married Beryl Baxter and moved to City Road, March adjacent to the family business premises. They had five children, Kevin, Rosemary, Angela, Nigel and Mark.

Following his father’s retirement, Mr Turner took over the running of the business. During his life Mr Turner made items of furniture for the council chamber of March Urban District Council, various items for local churches, including the alter board at St Wendreda’s church and chairs for Centenary Baptist Church. In the 1970’s he also made several local village signs including Tydd St Giles, Guyhirn and Christchurch. The business also completed numerous contracts on local schools, the March Library in Gordon Avenue and many local shops. He supported many local youngsters by providing apprenticeships in carpentry.

During his life, Mr Turner became President of the Cambridgeshire Branch of the National Association of Funeral Directors, chairman of March Town Bowls Club and of the civilian committee of 1220 (March) Squadron Air Training Corps.

Mr Turner was a regular worshiper at Trinity Church and served as steward, senior steward and treasurer for a number of years.

After his retirement Mr Turner continued to support his son Mark in developing the family business. The new funeral premises were built in 2002 and the carpentry workshop closed in the same year.

In 2011, shortly before her death, Mr and Mrs Turner celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with family and friends.

Mr Turner leaves behind his family including 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.