Mehmet Hayati Turan made his transition on June 28, 2023 at the age of 90.
Hayati is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Loyce (Mausehund), his son Ruhi (Rebecca) and his daughter Tulay (Scott Garlisch), along with two granddaughters Stella and Sophie and two grandsons Ryan (Brittany) and David. He is also survived by his sister and two brothers, one niece and five nephews, four great nieces and four great nephews, and one great-great niece in Turkey.
After graduating from Yildiz Technical College in Turkey with a degree in engineering, Hayati obtained a Master of Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla. He intended to return to Turkey with his advanced degree in hand, but kismet intervened. He met and fell in love with Loyce, and there was no going back. He became a proud US citizen before they married. He then used his exceptional engineering skills at a career that included 30 years at Ralston Purina.
Hayati traveled extensively with Loyce, visiting numerous countries, including trips to Turkey to visit family and an adventure to Peru where he hiked to the top of Machu Picchu at age 70. He enjoyed tennis, biking, running, spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks, and attending the symphony and Repertory Theatre. He also was an avid Cardinals and Blues fan.
Although he was not verbose, Hayati could discuss any topic, bringing insight and knowledge to any conversation. When he spoke, people listened. He was a generous, humble man who taught us that it is easy to be kind.
Services: Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road 63129. Visitation July 10 from 4 to 8 pm. Funeral July 11 at 10:00 am. Burial at Sunset Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First Unity Church of St. Louis, 4753 Butler Hill Road, St. Louis, MO 63128 or https://www.unitystl.org/
Hayati truly was a kind, gentle and humble man, and always interesting to talk with. He will be greatly missed.
Hayati was the consummate gentleman, and an amazing friend for over 45 years (55 for Dave). David and I have so valued our friendship with the Turans these years. Highlights have been two amazing vacations together and many shared Lake times. His quiet humor and intelligence will be sorely missed.
He was my brother what can I say.
He was a great man, good person, good father,good hasbent
We will miss him soo much.
“Mekânı cennet olsun.”
We are deeply shocked to hear of the death of our uncle and I would like to offer my deepest sympathy. Our thoughts are with you.
Sedat-Uğur Uzuner
Hayatî was a dear and beloved friend. Hayatî, Sami Akman, Nejat Olez and I, Antonio Tito were the precursors of the St.Louis Turkish American Culture Club meeting monthly at the YMCA on West Pine in St. Louis. A true gentleman and faithful friend besides a wonderful husband and father.We shall miss him. Toprağı bol, mekânı cennet olsun, nurlar içinde yatsın.
Hayati was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He was our good friend for many years. Condolences to you, Loyce, and to your family.
Hayati and Loyce were dear friends of my parents, Don and Elizabeth Barr. My parents admired Hayati and I recall many fond stories of the 4 of them living their young lives in St. Louis.
He was my big brother. Always he protected and watched me since our childhood. Although he is far away from me but I feel his love and sympathy. Rest in peace ( in turkish Mekani cennet olsun)
He was our beloved uncle. We are deeply sorry for his loss. We offer our condolences to Loyce and Tulay and Ruhi. Rest in Peace Uncle Hayati.
Our love and sympathy to Loyce and all the family.
Hayati and Loyce were dear friends of my parents, Ed and Pat Degenhart. Dad especially treasured his friendship through the years with Hayati at Ralston Purina. I have fond memories of the engineering crew and their annual BBQs. Dad and Hayati enjoyed one another’s company and he relished knowing more about his Turkish culture and discussing their cultural observations from their many travels. As noted in his loving family’s words, he was a great listener, gentle, and full of kindness. May Allah have mercy on his soul. May you find comfort in one another, your community, and a life so beautifully led. My sincerest condolences, Beth (Degenhart) Norman
We are deeply sorry for our great uncle Hayati’s loss. We offer our condolences to Loyce, Tulay and Ruhi. Rest in Peace.
I’m grateful for the times that I got to enjoy with Hayati and Loyce. Words that come to mind when I reflect on Hayati include dignity, engaging, caring, calm, compassionate, quality, interested and interesting, active, loving husband, faithful, good, devoted father and grandfather. He was a special man, anyone who at age 70 climbs Machu Picchu Summit has to be!
Mr. Turan was my best friends dad.
Tulay treasured their time together. I felt his wisdom, curiosity and subtle humor whenever I saw him. Yes! To be kind is a gift he gave to everyone.
Bless his entire family as they celebrate his long and successful life here on earth!
Hy and Loyce have been my neighbors and best friends for over half a century. Our kids grew up together and Loyce and Hy never disowned me when my son hired Tulay at the Chicago law firm where he was working and then, shortly thereafter, he headed west to a California law firm. But Tulay found her husband in Chicago and Eric his wife in San Francisco, so happy endings make for happy parents. And neighbors! Seriously, what very special neighbors and friends to have for most of my adult life. And I know my son will miss his visits with Hy when here in St. Louis. His was a life well lived and his family will have comfort knowing so many lives he touched with his kindness and sincerity.
I have been blessed to call him friend for over 63 yrs. He had a kind heart and was loved and respected by all that knew him. Condolences to his beloved loyce and family. He will be greatly missed.
Very polite ,very well mannered man .Iwill always remember him with love and respect
Allah rahmet eylesi
Nur içinde uyusun
We are deeply sorry to hear about the passing of our Uncle Hayati. He truly was a wonderful person. His kindness and gentle spirit will be remembered forever.
Our heartfelt sympathy to Aunt Loyce, Tulay and Ruhi at this sad time.
My brother was older than I. He was a brilliant and kind person. I had the chance to visit him in St.Louis in recent years. We will miss him. He will never be forgotten and will always hold a special place in our hearts. “Mekani cennet olsun”
Mel and I met Loyce and Hayati when we were invited several years ago to be substitutes in the Gourmet Dinner Club. We instantly enjoyed their company and became friends. Hayati was an intelligent and easy going man. We always enjoyed our fun times with him and Loyce. May he Rest In Peace.
LuAnn and Mel Hunter
Hy was a kind and engaging person. He always went out of his way to show an interest in our lives. We enjoyed our many conversations, especially when Hy would talk about Loyce and their past adventures traveling the world. The 60 years you spent together are an inspiration, and we are happy to have been a part of it and learn from it. I am closer to you both than my biological grandparents and grateful to be so welcomed by you both. Even literally moving in when I moved to St. Louis. I will always remember the thoughtfulness and care Hy put into every conversation we had.. Truly giving me his full attention any time of day. We celebrate the memory of Hyati, Ryan and Brittany.
We are deeply saddened by the death of our uncle, the eldest of our family.
Even thought he was far away, he always made us feel close.
When we were married he came to Turkey on our invitation to serve as our witness, and made us very happy.
We deeply share the grief of our beloved aunt and cousins .
Rest in peace our dear uncle.
Ali, Serpil & Ege