Charles "Chuck" World Turner, 61

Charles "Chuck" Vernon World Turner, a member of the Hunkpati & Ihanktonwan Dakota, passed away on July 9th, 2024, near his residence in Wagner, SD. Born on January 16th, 1963, in Yankton, SD, to Mildred Jones and Kenneth World Turner Sr., Chuck spent his formative years in Fort Thompson, South Dakota, and received his education at Crow Creek Tribal Schools. He exhibited a fervent interest in basketball, contributing to the success of the Chieftains in achieving state championships. Subsequently, he pursued further studies at Haskell Indian Nations University.

Chuck faced many adversities in life, but his encounter with Kandi World Turner, whom he married in 2001, infused new optimism and purpose into his life. An avid animal enthusiast, particularly with a fondness for horses, Chuck was known to cherish childhood equestrian pursuits and later engage in the Dakota 38+2 rides for a period of four years, an endeavor involving horseback travel from Lower Brule to Mankato, Minnesota, aimed at honoring their forebears.

Being not only a man of action but also of art, Chuck displayed a deep-seated passion for the intricate craft of beading, demonstrating remarkable patience and proficiency, which garnered widespread admiration. His profound regard for his heritage was evident in his active involvement in traditional pow-wows, where he showcased his expertise in indigenous dance forms.

Chuck's love for his family was unwavering, evident in his adult life spent with his beloved wife, Kandi, on the Yankton Sioux Reservation. His legacy lives on through his two daughters, Meliah and Kiari, his son, Spencer, and his grandchildren, Mikayla and Ray'nan. His memory is cherished by those he leaves behind, including his late father, Kenneth, his mother, Mildred, and his sister, Mona.

Funeral services will be held at the White Swan Community Center in Lake Andes on Monday, July 15th, 2024, at 10:30 am. Burial will be held at the St. Paul's Catholic Cemetery in Marty. There will be two-night wake services on Saturday, July 13th, and Sunday, July 14th, at 7 pm at the White Swan Community Center in Lake Andes.