LEXINGTON, Ky. – Herschel Turner, an All-America and All-Southeastern Conference lineman for the University of Kentucky football team, has died.

Turner was a three-year letterman for the Wildcats from 1961-63, playing offensive and defensive tackle and guard during the days of one-platoon football, under coaches Blanton Collier (1961) and Charlie Bradshaw (1962-63).

After playing for the freshman team in 1960, Turner made an immediate impact upon ascending to the varsity.  His crisp blocking and quickness on defense helped him earn All-SEC Sophomore Team honors.  He went on to garner first-team All-SEC laurels as a junior and senior, and as a senior, added first-team All-America accolades to his all-conference recognition.

Following his senior season, Turner played in the Blue-Gray Game and the Senior Bowl.  He was selected in the second round of the 1964 National Football League Draft by St. Louis.  He played two seasons for the Cardinals and was named the Big Red Rookie of the Year before a knee injury ended his career.  After football, he had a long career in private business and owned the Ray Engel Packaging Supplies Company.

A native of Houston, Kentucky, in Breathitt County, Turner grew up in Northern Kentucky.  He played football and ran track at Campbell County High School.  Ironically, he drew little collegiate attention on the football field until the UK staff saw him in an all-star game in the summer of 1960 and offered a scholarship.

Turner passed away at the age of 82 and was living in Chesterfield, Missouri.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bonnie; brother Mike; son Chris and daughter Julie Mignerey; and six grandchildren. A memorial mass will be held at Ascension Catholic Church in Chesterfield, Mo., on Saturday, February 1 at 1 p.m.

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