William P. Turpin IV

Col. William P. Turpin IV, US Army Retired, died on Friday, December 15th in his home at the age of 82. Bill enjoyed a full and wonderful life which began on October 29, 1936. He was born to William P. Turpin III, and Virginia Kroll Turpin, in Schofield Barracks, HI. Due to his father’s military career he moved frequently, attending second grade in Centreville, which is when he first fell in love with Locust Hill Farm, a love affair that would last a lifetime. Bill was a boy scout, sailor, and a pole vaulter who grew up in Manhasset, NY. Turpin was educated at Mercersberg Academy in PA, West Point (’59) and the University of Tennessee before he began his career in the infantry, following in his father’s footsteps. He served one tour in Viet Nam and was awarded the combat infantryman’s badge. He was also stationed in Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Hong Kong and other US bases. In 1964, Bill married Dianne Klebe Turpin and they had two daughters, Tori and Kate, and later divorced in 1981. He loved his role as a father teaching his daughters to sail, ice skate and to enthusiastically enjoy life. Bill later sold life insurance for Northwestern Mutual Life as a Chartered Life Underwriter and worked with his friend, Dave Stanton, selling Aqua Cats for American Sailing Association. On June 1, 1990, he married his beloved wife Ann Clarkson Turpin. Together they turned Locust Hill into a Bed and Breakfast and hosted friends and family. They enjoyed their dogs, tending to the gardens, lawn and family cemetery. He delighted in singing with the Chester River Chorale which Ann directed. They essentially danced together for 28 years. He adored Ann and frequently said his life was complete with her as his wife. Bill was a wordsmith who kept journals and wrote memoirs. He published articles in the Chesapeake Bay Magazine, and estate planning articles for the Delmarva Farmer. Bill knew many jokes, loved a good laugh, and used words to find joyful puns and played with words with related meanings in different languages. His easy laughter was his hallmark. Foreign language was a passion for Bill. He took classes and studied language through his 70’s and participated in the local French Club and founded the German Club in Chestertown. He traveled and used language for work and to connect with friends and strangers alike. But he was happiest at Locust Hill, his family’s farm in Centreville, MD where he lived from 1976 to 2018. He lovingly maintained the farm for 42 years, always grateful to get to live in his family home (since 1812). Bill was an active member of St. Paul’s Church serving as a lay Eucharistic minister, usher, choir member and manager. He also led the successful fight by Citizens Against the Power Plant in 1977 helping to protect the county from being the site for a nuclear plant. He loved people and maintained many rich friendships over the course of his life. Bill was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother, John (Jack) Kroll Turpin. He is survived by his beloved wife Ann Clarkson Turpin of Silver Spring, MD, his two daughters and their families: Victoria (Tori) Turpin Norton, her husband Mike, and their sons Ben and Ted of Yarmouth, ME and Kathryn (Kate) Turpin Manahan and her husband, Tim and their sons Jansen and Owen of Kennebunk, ME, sister-in-law Margie Turpin and nephew John Dillon Turpin of Far Hills, NJ, along with a number of loving relatives. William P. Turpin was interred in his family cemetery at Locust Hill Farm, Centreville, MD on Dec. 15th and memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Parish at 11 AM on Friday, December 21, 2018. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Paul’s Church, 301 S. Liberty St., Centreville, MD 21617.

William P. Turpin IV

October 29, 1936 - December 14, 2018