Hartford, VT – Francis H. Turner, 86, died Saturday July 13th at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon with his family by his side.

He was born March 15, 1927 in Manchester, NH and grew up on the Home Acres farm in Quechee, VT with his mother Mabel (Turner) and step father Albert Atwood. Francis worked delivering milk before graduating from Hartford High School in 1946. After graduation Francis worked at Flanders & Patch for 25 years, first as a mechanic and later became the Parts Manager. In 1976 he started his own shop on Costello Road in Quechee where he serviced cars for over forty years. Francis especially enjoyed oil undercoating cars and visiting with his many loyal customers. He was known as the "King of Oil Undercoating" in the Upper Valley. He loved to be outdoors working whether he was at the farm, garage, home, or at the family camp.

When he wasn't working on cars, Francis enjoyed farming and was proud of keeping the family farm a working farm where he raised Angus cattle for many years. Regardless of his busy schedule in the garage or on the farm, he was always willing to lend a helping hand to his many friends and neighbors. Francis was a living embodiment of "Vermont Strong". He was the first "Super Senior" featured on the WCAX series on retirees.

In his free time, Francis enjoyed traveling with family around the country, visiting the coast of Maine, and spending time at the family camp in North Haverhill, NH. He had a very special bond with his grandson Aidan and enjoyed spending time with all of his grandchildren, family, and friends.

True to his compassionate and generous nature, Francis was always willing to serve his community as a volunteer of the White River Junction Fire Department, deacon and parishioner at the Greater Hartford United Church of Christ, and a member of the Board of Directors at the Hartford Library.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joan (Marceau) Turner of Hartford; a daughter Katherine A. Gaudette, her husband Kip and grandson Aidan of Quechee; step-grandchildren Brynne, Chase, and Colton Gaudette of Pittsfield, NH; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife Barbara, son John, mother Mabel, and step father Albert.

A memorial service will be held at the Greater Hartford United Church of Christ, Friday July 19th at 2PM. Committal services will be held at the Hartford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Kurn Hattin Home, PO Box 127, Westminster VT 05158, or the Upper Valley Haven, 745 Hartford Avenue, White River Jct. VT 05001.