Robert Derry Turley

Post date: Jan 28, 2017 4:29:58 PM

Robert Derry Turley, age 76, passed away from cancer and pneumonia on Tuesday, January 17, 2017. Derry was born in Holbrook, AZ, and raised in Gallup, NM, where he graduated High School (‘58). He then worked at Ciniza refinery, lived and worked at various jobs in Washington State. Derry returned to Gallup, NM to start a career spanning 35 years as an Engineer with BNSF. He was later transferred to Belen, NM, where he retired. Derry continued to live with the railroad in his heart until the day he passed. He was a passionate and avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed welding, farming and his cattle in Veguita, NM. There are many memories of Elk hunts and packing into the wilderness of Colorado. Derry enjoyed fishing trips to Alaska, Canada and surrounding states. The memories were shared with many close friends and family. The stories from these trips and life’s adventures were shared by Derry in a way only Derry could tell a story, which were as big in life as he was. At 6’7’, he was often the biggest fish in the room. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert M. (Bob) Turley and Orlean Bentley Turley; and brother, Denny Turley. Derry is survived by his loving wife and fishing buddy, Etta Mae Turley; children, Tom Turley and his wife, Kelley and their children, Josh and Jessica, Bronson Turley and his wife, Annette and their children, Tristen and Travis, and Jan Turley and her children, Shyanne and Havin; stepdaughter, Cheryl Duke and her husband, Ray and their children, Nichole Herrera and her husband, Mario and Chelsey Tesky and her husband, Kyle; numerous great grandchildren; and nephews, Shawn and Christian Turley. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Derry’s life will be held on Saturday, January 28 at Terra Del Sol Country Club, 1000 Golf Course Road, Rio Communities beginning at 2:00 PM. Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., (505)864-4448.