In the April 23, 1942, edition of The Star-Herald, there was a special section, the “L.S.U. JOURNALISM STUDENTS EDITION.” A full page contained very interesting facts about the accomplishments of the KHS Band during its early history.
Stokes Sanders, Jr., a native of Kosciusko, was one of the L.S.U. Journalism students. He wrote, “Robert Turner was the first boy to become drum major.”
Following graduation from Kosciusko High School, Robert Turner attended Mississippi College where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Afterwards, he became band director for Forest Hill High School in Forest Hill. Later, after receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from the University of Mississippi, he was employed by the District Army Corps of Engineers in Vicksburg.
He served in the Army during World War II on Guam in the South Pacific and afterwards returned to Vicksburg where he was employed by the Army Corps of Engineers at the Waterways Experiment Station until his retirement. There in Vicksburg he held the rank of Major in the 412th Army Reserve.
After retirement, his real estate interests led to developing the two residential subdivisions of Colonial Drive and Heritage Place in Vicksburg.
At Whitworth College in Brookhaven, he served on the Board of Directors and assisted in management of the college.
He was married to Ruth Hall Turner of Lexington. Their daughter and son-in-law are Martha Ann and Luis Diaz of Vicksburg.
