Clarence A. Turner

Clarence Allen Turner passed away on July 21, 2011 at his home in Cottonwood, AZ. He was known by millions as the Greatest Untouchable, and the Photographer of the Stars. Cal was born in August 15, 1921 in Glendale California, and rose to be one of the top cops of the 20th Century. His contributions to our Americana Life was chronicled in two books written by his wife of 67 years, Mary Turner. Cal graduated with a BSC degree form Southwestern University in 1950, and spent the next twenty years in the service to his country as a Special Agent to the Internal Revenue Service. He rose through the ranks and retired in 1970 as division head to the Los Angles, California Organized Crime Division. His exploits were the subject of the second book by his beloved wife, Mary, "The Untouchable\u0027s Wife," published and released just before his death. Cal\u0027s natural ability to capture the visual world in which we live led to his first love, photography. Studying under Ansel Adams, he further developed his skills after retirement by opening his own studio in Palms Springs, California in the 1970\u0027s. Here he met and photographed the greatest stars of all times, including Frank Sinatra and Ginger Rogers. By now, he was known as, the Photographer of the Stars, and was the subject of Mary Turner\u0027s first book, "The Beautiful People of Palm Springs". His legacy still lives on within the Verde Valley, where he and Mary resided for over 31 years. Cal partnered with the Yavapai County Sheriff\u0027s Office to lead the Volunteers In Patrol program after his full retirement in 1980. He continued his volunteer work with the formation of the Verde Valley Radio Amateurs Association Network, and was often heard over his Two-Meter repeaters throughout all Arizona as, Wi6S. He was highlighted in many radio amateur meets and magazine articles about his innovative leaderships during community emergencies throughout the valley. Clarence Allen Turner was preceded in death by his parents Cledis and Florence Turner, of Glendale, California. Cal is survived by his wife Mary Louise Turner, of Cottonwood, AZ and one son, Allen Michael Turner of San Francisco, California. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, Aug. 15, 2 p.m. At the Cottonwood Village, 201 E. Mingus Ave Cottonwood, AZ 86326, 1-800-470-7979. Flowers are welcome at that time. An online guestbook is available to sign at www.westcottfuneralhome.com.