NOTED MARYLAND PROPRIETOR FRANK TURNER PASSES AWAY

Frank Turner, who operated duckpin and tenpin bowling centers in Maryland dating back to 1952, has died. He was 94.

Turner owned five centers at varying times, including Coliseum Bowling Lanes in downtown Hagerstown, Md., which still was utilizing pinboys when Turner bought it. He was known as a strong promoter, and is a member of several duckpin bowling halls of fame for performance and/or meritorious service.

Turner grew up during the Depression and understood what it was like to be poor. He worked at a variety of jobs — including at a furniture store and as a skunk trapper — and also served in the U.S. Navy, forging induction papers that his mother had refused to sign.

Once he achieved success as a bowling proprietor, Turner became a philanthropist, sharing his success with people less fortunate. But he did it “quietly,” as his son, Ray, put it.

He made a $500,000 donation to the Meritus Medical Center to help with its construction, and gave $100,000 to the American Red Cross for its new building. But he also helped countless individuals on a much smaller scale.

Turner Bowling Centers currently has a tribute to Turner on its homepage: http://www.turnerbowlingcenters.com/.

To read more about this bowler, bowling center owner and quiet philanthropist, click here: https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/local/family-friends-remember-frank-turners-generosity/article_def93ca1-86a8-5664-9302-d8fb72c17d91.html.