Bernard “Barney” Turney, 95, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children, at Saint Agnes Home on September 24, 2026.
Barney was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and coach. Known affectionately to some as “Big B” and to others as “Grandpa T,” Barney was a man whose greatest joy was his family. He welcomed everyone into his home and his heart and made those around him feel loved and valued.
Barney retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone in December 1990 after 41 years of dedicated service. He also proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War.
A man of deep faith and a strong spirit of service, Barney devoted his life to his country, his church, his family, and his neighbors. He enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, including golf and woodworking. His creativity and generosity could be seen in the thousands of wooden names, plaques, and other pieces he lovingly crafted and gave to others. Perhaps you were lucky enough to receive one. Each was a reflection of his thoughtful and generous spirit.
Barney’s greatest legacy, however, is the family he loved so dearly. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and his legacy of faith, service, generosity, and love will live on through his family for generations to come.
He is now reunited in eternal peace with his wife, Mary C. Turney (Kelly)
He is survived by his loving children: Denice (Jim) Knicos, Tim (Lisa) Turney, Sue (and the late Tony) Tumminia, Joe (Maureen) Turney, Jean (Tom Miller) Turney, Mary Turney, and Kathy (Don) Arms; 23 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was a proud veteran and longtime employee of Southwestern Bell Telephone.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4696 Notre Dame Lane, House Springs, MO 63051. Interment with military honors will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider performing an act of kindness in Barney’s memory or making a donation to a charity of your choice.
We are so sorry to the Turney cousins. Uncle Barney lived a long happy life and now he will be reunited with Aunt Mary and all their friends.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Kathy and Don and their family in the passing of Barney. He was a wonderful family man and friend to many. May special memories be yours now and in the time to come and may you always know God’s peace.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Kathy and Don and their family in the passing of Barney. He was a wonderful family man and friend to many. May special memories be yours now and in the time to come and may you always know God’s peace.
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I know he was very special and so loved by you.
We are so sorry for the loss of your father, grandfather and great grandfather! He was a great man and left the legacy of his wonderful family!! We beneficiaries of two of the wonderful cutouts he made for Britnees soccer team!! We will carry you in our hearts and prayers
So many great memories come to mind enjoying Uncle Barney hanging out at their house, especially in the basement watching home movies on the bed sheet that was hung from the ceiling. RIP Jay Stuckel.
I will miss talking to Barney Turney, a man with deep love for Mary and beloved Dad to his seven children. Barney had a joy of life and a wonderful sense of humor. His “bookends” were Denny , his first born and Kathy, the last of the pack .Every time I walk into Denny and Jim’s house I see Barney in his Painstakingly and perfectly carved YIAYIA and PAPOOS (Greek for grandmother & Grandfather) on the windowsill looking over Lake Huron., and on the tables carved wooden images of Michigan. Barney, a good man who loved his ice cream, even at breakfast. It was a privileged to know him.
Barney was a great man and a wonderful Boss. He was my first boss at Southwestern Bell.
He will be truly missed.
Barney and Mary were fellow parishioners and Barney was a softball team mate at St. Joe’s. A true gentleman, a lot of fun to be around and we all knew if you listened to Barney you just might learn something.
Great Man! Tremendous Family. He will be missed…
I played softball with Barney at st Joe’s parish and other fields. He was a good player and wonderful man.
He was always upbeat and fun to be around
He had a great family and it’s sad he is no longer with us in body but his spirit lives on
I will miss my neighbor and the family members who my uber driver to my room.
Ironically the person who took his place at the table, his name Bernie.
I will remember him in prayer also all of you at this time of loss.
Msgr. J.
Prayers for the family. Loved the Turney family from the SWBT days. My father , Don Patton, and Barney worked together at Bell. Both loved to work overtime for their families. So sorry we lost touch after they moved.
My heartfelt sympathy, prayers and best wishes to the Turney Family. So many fond memories. Mr. T was always present, sharing and caring and had a special way of keeping “us” focused when needed.
Such a beautiful joyful family picture at the top of your dad’s obituary! He had a cool birthdate – 11.30.30. I thank him posthumously for his service to our nation in the Marine Corps. What a tough group. Our deepest sympathy over your beloved dad & patriarch passing on. Meaningful your dad passed on the day of the beatification of Fulton Sheen right there in St. Louis. I am grateful my sister Maureen is blessed to be part of such a great Irish family. I’m also so grateful family members were with your dad when he passed on. Prayers for the eternal rest of your cherished dad’s soul and for the comfort & healing of all of you. So special your dad’s Mass of Christian burial is on the Feast of the Archangels.
Blessed Fulton Sheen, pray for the eternal rest of Barney. Sts. Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, pray for the eternal rest of Barney. Thank you. Amen.
With heartfelt sympathy,
The Colwell Family in NE Kansas
Barney was my first soccer coach. I kept playing for another 50 years and am still coaching so he left a lasting impression. a wonderful coach and an even better man!