Ronald Curtis ‘Curt’ Turpin, age 83, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, January 8th, 2024. Curt was born in the Oak Hill community on August 16th , 1940, to Harry and Mary Turpin. After graduating from Somerset High School, he joined the United States Air Force (USAF) January 8th, 1959, where he served his country with honor and distinction for more than 22 years. During his time in the military, he attained the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and received numerous awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (with three bronze service stars), and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross (with palm device). He served in the Air Force Security Forces where he trained in anti-terrorism response and air base ground defense. During the course of his military career, he spent many years living and serving around the U.S. and world, including France, Germany, Thailand, Texas, Montana, New Mexico, Colorado, California, and Washington state.

 Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1981, Curt returned home to Kentucky where he attended Eastern Kentucky University, completing both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, and achieved his Rank 1 Teaching Certification. Curt began his second career with the Pulaski County School System, where he spent many years as a 5th grade math teacher at Pulaski Elementary, before moving into administration. He finished his career serving as vice principal at both Pulaski and Southern Elementary. During his time as a teacher, he was instrumental in helping start the Pulaski County Youth Football League. Although there is no doubt that he made an impact on the lives of the many children he taught, Curt always felt the blessing was his to be able to foster a love of education in so many.

Curt is preceded in death by his parents, and a younger sister, Janie West. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Anna (Stout) Turpin, and children: daughter Carmen (and Mike) Scharff of France; and sons Marcus (and Kristie) Turpin of Science Hill, Alex (and Anna) Turpin of Maryland, Judson (and Jill) Campbell of Somerset, Joel Turpin of Chicago, and Joshua Turpin of Lexington. 

In addition to his wife and children, Curt is survived by a brother, Douglas (and Sharon) Turpin of Somerset, as well as his grandchildren: Jessica Scharff, Selena Scharff, Lucas Scharff, Senior Airman Zachary Turpin (USAF), Olivia Turpin, Logan Turpin, Connor Turpin, Staff Sergeant Logan Gadberry (USAF) and Ethan Gadberry. Curt had 3 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews that will miss him.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 5-8pm in the Chapel of the Southern Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 12pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mill Springs National Cemetery in Nancy, Kentucky.

Military Honors will be conducted by American Legion Honor Guard Post #38. Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Ronald Curtis ‘Curt’ Turpin.