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Austin Ray Turner, 28, of Independence, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at WVU Hospital after a courageous two-year battle with a rare cancer, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a love that will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends. Though his time on this earth was far too short, Austin lived a life filled with hard work, dedication, and an unwavering love for those who meant the most to him. He was born on March 17, 1998, in Raleigh, North Carolina, the beloved son of Marty Ray and Deborah Kay (Bolyard) Turner of Gladesville.
Austin was a 2016 graduate of Preston High School and was employed as a section boss at Allegheny Met, having previously worked for Arch Coal. He was a hardworking, dependable, and dedicated young man who took great pride in providing for his family. Austin believed in the value of an honest day’s work and was never afraid to get his hands dirty. His strong work ethic, determination, and willingness to do whatever needed to be done were qualities that defined the man he was.
Outside of work, Austin’s heart belonged to the farm and the simple joys of country living. He had a deep love for raising cattle, spending countless hours doing what he enjoyed most. Farming was more than just a hobby to Austin; it was a way of life and something he was passionate about sharing with his two precious boys, Liam and Kaison. Whether they were riding along on the tractor, attending cattle sales, or helping their dad haul cattle, Austin treasured every opportunity to have his boys by his side. Through those everyday moments, he was teaching them far more than how to work a farm. He was passing down the values of hard work, responsibility, dedication, and the importance of family. Those tractor rides, long days on the farm, and special memories made alongside their dad will forever be a part of the legacy he leaves behind.
Above all else, Austin was a devoted husband, a proud and loving father, and a cherished son and brother. His wife and boys were the center of his world, and everything he worked so hard for was rooted in his love for them. There was no greater joy in his life than being a dad, watching his boys grow, and sharing with them the things he loved. The love he had for his family was immeasurable, and although his passing leaves a heartache that words cannot express, the lessons he taught, the memories he created, and the love he gave will continue to live on through them.
In addition to his loving parents, Austin leaves behind his devoted wife of five years, Katlyn Ann (Morgan) Turner; his two cherished sons, Liam Turner and Kaison Turner, who were his pride and joy; his sister, Ashley Turner (Zack) of Valley Point; his grandmother, Jo Ann Turner of Gladesville; his grandfather, Charles Bolyard of Grafton; adored in laws, Rick and Joyce Morgan, of Buckhannon; and several special aunts, uncles, nieces, nephew, and cousins who will forever hold his memory close to their hearts.
Austin was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Ralph Turner, and his maternal grandmother, Ruth Bolyard.
At just 28 years old, Austin had so much more life to live, so many more memories to make, and so many more moments to share with the family he loved so dearly. While no words can ease the
sorrow of losing him so young, there is comfort in knowing that his life, though brief, was filled with purpose and love. He leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years, but in the lives he touched, the values he instilled, and the love that will never fade. His boys will carry a part of him wherever life takes them, and the memories of their daddy will forever be treasured. Austin will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held close in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Family and friends will be received at Morgan Funeral Home, 13411 Veterans Memorial Highway, Reedsville, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Gladesville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Austin's Funeral Care Fund below his obituary. Online condolences and sympathy gifts may be made to the family at www.morganfuneralhomewv.com.
Morgan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Turner family during this difficult time.