In memoriam: Frank Turner, former ASLRRA president

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) last week announced the passing of Frank Turner, a former president of the association. He was 85.

Born in Tucumcari, New Mexico, Turner followed his father into the railroad business after completing college studies and service in the U.S. Marines. He began his railroad career in 1970, starting as an assistant trainmaster at the Norfolk & Western Railway, according to the ASLRRA.

In 1988, Turner joined MidSouth Railroad as vice president of operations and transportation. He was promoted to president and CEO a year later. Turner moved to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1993 to become VP of operations for CSX Intermodal. Later, Turner was selected to succeed Bill Loftus as ASLRRA president in 1998.

During his tenure as association president, Turner served on the transportation advisory group that advised the President George W. Bush administration. In 2002, U.S. Rep. Bob Clement of Tennessee offered remarks in the Congressional Record honoring Turner for his “visionary leadership in the railroad industry.”

Turner continued to remain active in his community after retiring from the ASLRRA in 2002. He founded the Tejas/Sig Ep Endowed Scholarship that same year, which as of 2021 had provided over $150,000 for more than 80 scholarships.

Turner is survived by Rosalie, his wife of 61 years; two sons and six grandchildren. A memorial service will be held March 8 at the Epworth United Methodist Church in Durham, North Carolina.