Lieutenant General Sam C. Turk (Ret.)

Lieutenant General Sam C. Turk (Ret.), 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 9, 2026.

General Turk was born January 19, 1936, in Gonzales, Texas, to Milton Turk, Sr. and Willye Warlick Turk. A proud native of Gonzales, Sam would go on to serve his country and the State of Texas with distinction while never losing his connection to the community he called home.

General Turk married Patricia Jane Martin on August 26, 1956, at First Baptist Church in Gonzales. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University in 1958, beginning a lifelong journey of service, leadership, and dedication.

General Turk’s military career began in 1954 when, as a senior in high school, he joined the Texas National Guard. He was assigned to Headquarters, 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry, in Gonzales, where he served as an enlisted member until his graduation from Texas A&M University. In 1958, he received his commission as a Second Lieutenant and entered active duty. Following a six-month tour, he was discharged in April 1959 and continued his military education through the U.S. Army Reserve Schools until 1964.

In 1964, Sam entered the U.S. Army Fixed Wing Aviator Training Course and was extended on active duty through 1967. From 1966 to 1967, he served in South Vietnam as an Army Aviator flying Huey UH-1 Helicopters supporting troops in combat operations. Upon returning, he resumed his service with the Texas Army National Guard.

In 1968, General Turk began his career as a Federal Technician for the Texas Army National Guard, serving as an Aircraft and Helicopter Instructor Pilot. Throughout his career, he held numerous aviation leadership positions, including Instructor Pilot, Aviation Flight Activity Commander, Aviation Support Facility Commander, and Director of Army Aviation.

His service as an active Guardsman was equally distinguished. He held numerous command and staff positions within the 49th Armored Division, including Aviation Company Commander, Aviation Battalion Commander, Aviation Brigade Commander, and Assistant Division Commander for Support. In 1990, he was assigned as Deputy Commander of Troop Command, a position he held until his appointment as Adjutant General of Texas in January 1993.

As Adjutant General, he assumed one of the highest military leadership responsibilities in the State of Texas, bringing decades of experience, dedication, and leadership to the position.

His military education included the U.S. Army Infantry Officers Basic Course, U.S. Army Fixed Wing Aviator Course, U.S. Army Rotary Wing Qualification Course, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the U.S. Army War College Senior Reserve Officers Component Course, along with numerous additional military educational achievements.

Over the course of his 42 years of military service, General Turk received numerous decorations and awards in recognition of his commitment and accomplishments. These included the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two awards, Air Medal with 12 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with four awards, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two awards, Army Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, and the Master Aviation Badge.

Beyond his military service, General Turk remained actively involved in civic and military organizations. He was a member of the National Guard Association of Texas, National Guard Association of the United States, Army Aviation Association of America, Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, and the Association of the United States Army.

General Turk also maintained his connection to his agricultural roots through managing the family ranching operation, which included pecan production and commercial cattle. His faith was another important part of his life, and he formerly served as a Deacon of Gonzales First Baptist Church, where he remained connected to the church and its community.

After 63 years of marriage, General Turk faced the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife, Patricia Jane Turk. He faithfully stood beside her through her illness, demonstrating the depth of his love and devotion. Though the loss was profound, life would later bring Sam another special blessing when he met Carla, who became his second wife. Carla lovingly and courageously stood beside him as he faced his own health challenges, surrounding him with unwavering love, care, and prayer. Their companionship was a treasured gift in his later years.

While General Turk's military accomplishments and distinguished service will long be remembered, his greatest legacy will also be found in the family he loved, the faith he cherished, and the many lives he influenced throughout his lifetime. He was a proud Texan, a dedicated soldier, a devoted husband and father, and a man whose service to others extended far beyond his military uniform.

Lieutenant General Sam C. Turk is survived by his loving family, including his wife, Carla Turk; sons, David Turk (Debbie) and Michael Turk (Vicki); stepchildren, Rusty Steed (Nicole), Justin Hernandez, and Diana Dove; grandchildren, Susi Simpson (Dave), Josh Turk (Evelyn), Jenny Garcia (Lisa), Samantha Camarillo (Eric), and John Turk; step-grandchildren, Carly Hernandez, Meredith Hernandez, and Emmalynn Hernandez; and great-grandchildren, Emma Estillore, Evan Estillore, Dylan Simpson, Matthew Simpson, Sophia DeLeon, Jessi James Turk and Eric (Grayson) Camarillo. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Martin Turk, parents, Willye and Milton Turk, Sr., son, Jimmy Turk and brother, Milton James, Jr.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2026, at Gonzales First Baptist Church, with Dr. Travis Burleson, Rev. Steve Faulkner, and Dr. Joshua Breslaw officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Gonzales Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Gonzales First Baptist Church, the American Parkinson's Association, Stairway for Heroes, www.stairwayforheroes.com, or a charity of one's choice.

Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com.

Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.