Jerry Turk

Jerry D. Turk, age 83, a resident of Baton Rouge, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2015.

When a banker recommends additional products and services to purchase, think of Jerry Turk, who first introduced the practice to the banking industry. While VP of Marketing for LNB, Jerry became a much sought after speaker at Bank Marketing Conferences across the country, President of the Ad Club, won a Pete Goldsby Award (the highest personal award given by the American Advertising Federation--Baton Rouge), and produced the first Gubernatorial Ball for Gov. Edwin Edwards, recruiting the flamboyant Doc Severinson from Johnny Carson's Tonight Show band and Pete Fountain to headline the event. With LNB's blessing, he formed Jerry Turk & Associates and in a few short years revolutionized the banking industry by installing his sales system in over 130 of the largest banks in the nation.

Jerry was born in Hopkinsville, KY, where at the age of four he discovered a passion for playing the drums. He toured with Web Pierce, who had more number one hits than any other country artist during the 1950s, and was Pierce's drummer when Elvis Presley joined the tour as a backup band. He completed a tour in the Navy, traveling the world entertaining the troops with standup comedy, tap dancing and big band music. His service to his country was one of his most prized accomplishments. He obtained a business degree from North Texas University; where he also played in the band. He was a salesman for Royal Typewriters; was recruited by WIBR in Baton Rouge; and worked for Root & Associates, before being recruiting by LNB. He won many gold and silver ad awards for his creative ad campaigns for LNB. Most notoriously his "have a nice day" campaign which began as a smiley face graffiti underneath the I-10 overpass in Baton Rouge.

He was a member of Broadmoor United Methodist Church; an avid tennis player and golfer. A perpetual optimist, he was always in a good mood, whistling or humming tunes and had a genuine love for people. He had a knack for engaging complete strangers I conversation. He was well loved and admired by those who knew him. When he walked into a room, there was much laughter.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Laura Odom; and his four sons and their spouses, Ryan and Jeanette Turk, Kelly Turk, Beau and Ashley Menetre, and William Turk; seven grandchildren, Ashton Hearn and husband Geoff Hearn, Jordan Odom, Allie Odom, Dylan Turk, Sabian Menetre, Miles Menetre, and Nova Turk; and one great-granddaughter, Amelia Hearn and one sister Jane Tyler.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jerry E. Turk and Dorothy Mason Turk; son, Mason Turk; and brother, Tom Turk.

A memorial service will be held at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 10230 Mollylea Drive, B.R., LA at 11:00AM Saturday, Feb. 14, with a Celebration of Life reception to follow. Dress in HAPPY COLORS!

Contributions made to the Jerry D. Turk Scholarship Fund will help pay tuition costs for local college students pursing a degree in Advertising/Marketing. To make a donation visit http://www.gofundme.com/lmq1cs.