Turhan Ak

Turhan Ak a native of Istanbul, Turkey and a resident of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 19, 2024, following a short illness. Turhan was born in Kayseri, Turkey to Mehmet Ak and Fatma Servet Ak. He received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Indiana University and furthered his education at The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned his MSCE. Turhan was a long-time engineer with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), East Baton Rouge Parish and private industry. 

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years Jeanette Rivet Ak; son-in-law James Milton Bonaventure; his parents; and his brothers Adnan Ak; Selçuk Ak and sister-in-law Gülümsün Ak of Istanbul, Turkey. 

Turhan is survived by his daughters, Suzan Guidry and her husband Patrick, and Gale Bonaventure; his beloved grandchildren Kristen Guidry and husband Erik Kofoed, Lauren Guidry, Michael Guidry, and Austin Guidry and wife Jennifer; his great-grandchildren Reily K. Guidry Swanson, Matthew, Gregory and Sydney Kofoed, and Azilah, Ayla, and Ava Guidry. He is also survived by his family in Turkey, including his sister Güler Oskay and husband Gündüz; sister-in-law Fatma Ak; nephew Mehmet Ak and wife Nezire; nieces Deniz Özköse and husband Salih, Nil Doğrucuoğlu and husband Bekir, and Birgül and Lale Ak. 

Engineering was his passion. Following retirement, Turhan embraced common values, goals and interests in being a Mason. He was a 32nd Degree York & Scottish Rite Mason. He was a former member of St. James Lodge, where he twice served as Master. He was a current member of Trinity Lodge, holding several offices, and the Lodge of Nine Muses. He enjoyed traveling throughout his life and was an avid reader.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge. A Visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at 2:15 p.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church Cemetery, 182 Church Road in Morganza, Louisiana.

 Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com