EAST DUKE, Okla. – Revered as a “humble man” selflessly serving as councilman over the past five decades, Herbert Turner was recently acknowledged by the Oklahoma Municipal League for his 50 years on the town’s council.
During Tuesday’s regularly scheduled town council meeting at the Duke Community Building, Councilman Turner, who also serves as the town’s vice mayor, was met by Lawton City Mayor Stan Booker, who presented an unsuspecting Turner with a pin and legislative proclamation from OML.
Town officials kept the OML award presentation a secret from Turner, said Cheyenne Houska, East Duke’s town clerk. “He (Turner) enjoyed visiting with Mayor Booker about managing municipalities, and it was a nice presentation.”
Established in 1913, OML provides state and federal legislative advocacy as well as research and inquiry services on a variety of topics, the organization’s website states.
“It is interesting to note that the State Citation mentioned that Turner was retiring,” stated Booker. “But he surprised everyone by filing for re-election and did not draw an opponent.”
Houska said that Turner had not publicly announced whether he would refile to retain his seat until the last minute. “He surprised us all when he decided,” she exclaimed. “We’re very thankful that he did.”
Turner attended Duke High School where he excelled both academically and athletically, a family member shared in his bio. During his junior and senior years Turner drove a school bus and was active in FFA, baseball and basketball.
Marrying his high school sweetheart, Jeanette Milner, together the couple have raised their two sons, Mark and Rick, who have gone on to raise families of their own. While still retaining his humble nature, it was stated that Turner is a proud husband, father and grandfather to his three granddaughters and four great-grandchildren.
In a telephone interview with Booker, the mayor told Southwest Ledger, “It’s always important that we have people who are willing to step up. We need more citizens to emulate Herbert Turner, a man who has given 50 years of service to his community.”
Booker, who has served as Lawton’s mayor since 2019, felt privileged to present the award to Turner. “I’ve only been in office two years,” said Booker. “It was an honor for me to present the OML award to a man who has dedicated so much time serving his community.”
Duke, “kind of a farming community” with an estimated population of “just under 400,” is home to an American Gypsum wallboard plant, Darbys’ Furniture, Southwest Oklahoma Internet, a bank, post office and Duke Public Schools, said Houska.