“Johnnie was truly one of the most fascinating people that I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. Born on Christmas Eve of 1947 into what was even for the time an atypically large family of 11 children, Johnnie grew up in Harlan County before attending the Red Bird Mission School where he worked on the campus to pay for his books and tuition.

“Johnnie served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969 in the Panama Canal Zone where he met the love of his life Maritza to whom he was married for more than 50 years. Returning to the United States, Johnnie worked in a factory to earn the money to bring Maritza to the U. S.

“He subsequently attended Union College before attending the University of Kentucky College of Law. Johnnie literally practiced law longer than I have been alive, starting his career in January 1978 with former federal District Judge Karl Forester and continuing to practice until his accident in September. Johnnie became a ‘legal legend’ in the mountains trying hundreds of cases and representing thousands of coal miners.”

Calling Turner a “fervent Christian” and a “magnificent storyteller,” Wheeler said one of Turner’s goals in the House was to mitigate the “harsh workers’ compensation law” backed by then-Gov. Paul Patton and enacted in 1996.

Turner was injured and hospitalized in September when a riding lawnmower he was driving went into an empty swimming pool.

Other Kentucky officials offered condolences to Turner’s family and friends Wednesday morning.?

U.S. Senate Republican Mitch McConnell of Kentucky issued a statement: “Elaine and I were saddened to hear of the passing of our friend, Senator Johnnie Turner. Throughout his service to Kentucky and the nation – in the U.S. Army, the State House, and the State Senate, representing Eastern Kentucky’s communities – Johnnie lived his life for others. In recent years, I remember crossing paths with Johnnie to survey the damage left by the devastating floods that hit Eastern Kentucky. Johnnie was on the scene, ankle-deep in mud, his equipment from home in tow, ready to help folks in Letcher County. That’s just who he was: a good man who loved the mountains and its people. We send our condolences to the entire Turner family, Johnnie’s colleagues in the Senate, and all those touched by his service.”

Gov. Andy Beshear said on X: “Britainy and I are saddened by the news of Sen. Johnnie Turner’s passing. We send our condolences and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Republican Attorney General Russell Coleman wrote in a X post that Turner “was a true champion for his beloved Mountains. His steadfast leadership for our Commonwealth made a lasting impact on Eastern Kentucky.”?

Republican Speaker David Osborne offered condolences to Turner’s family on behalf of the House of Representatives in a statement.

“Johnnie will be greatly missed and his loss will be felt throughout the halls of the Kentucky State Capitol where he served his constituents and Commonwealth so well,” Osborne said. “A committed public servant, Johnnie was an ardent champion and passionate voice for Eastern Kentucky. We are saddened by his loss, but know that his legacy will live on in those he helped.”

Turner’s family includes his wife, Maritza; his children Yazmin, Susie and Johnnie; and grandchildren.

Turner was seeking reelection in the 29th Senate District after winning a contested Republican primary in May. He faced no Democratic challenger in the general election.?

This story was updated Friday afternoon with funeral arrangements.?