Edward Manuel Turner III

Obituary for Edward M. Turner III

Edward M. Turner III was born on April 28, 1954, in Seattle, Washington, to Jessie M. Tompkins and Edward M. Turner II. From an early age, it was evident that Edward was a genius in the making. At just five years old, during a family road trip, he amazed his mother by reading freeway signs aloud with ease revealing a remarkable gift that would continue to unfold throughout his life.

Edward spent his early childhood in Seattle living with his mother and brother, Richard. Seattle always remained close to his heart. It was there that he rode bikes through the neighborhood, developed a love for ginger, and discovered his lifelong passion for music. During his younger years, Edward learned to play music by ear, a talent that became one of his greatest gifts.

Around the age of nine, Edward and his family relocated to Portland, Oregon, though he would return periodically to Seattle to spend time with his father. Edward spent much of his adolescence living on Knott Street before later moving to Jessup. During these formative years, he continued refining his musical talents.

While attending Jefferson High School under the direction of Jim Little, Edward further developed his musicianship while performing as the lead singer in a group called Black Velvet. Together, they recorded a song titled Undercover on a 45 record, which Edward later preserved on tape. During this season of life, he formed friendships that would become lifelong bonds and remain meaningful throughout adulthood.

Edward was a hardworking man from a very young age. At only 17 years old, he secured a job working at the shipyard, though he later lost the opportunity when his supervisor discovered he was underage. That experience reflected Edward’s determination and willingness to work. Over the years, he held many positions including working at AT&T and attended Mt. Hood Community College, experiences that exposed him to new skills and opportunities. Of all his work experiences, one place he spoke of often and remembered fondly was Frito-Lay.

Known for his charm, laid-back spirit, warm smile, and signature dimples, Edward was often described as a ladies’ man. He met his first love, LeeAnn McWoods, and through this union welcomed three daughters: Shalonda, Jessherrie, and Temmecha Turner. He later met his second love, Ruthie Williams, and together they welcomed his daughter, Latoya Williams.

At a time when life seemed full of possibility and opportunity for a young Black man growing up in Portland, Oregon, and navigating the barriers and segregation of the Jim Crow era, a medical tragedy threatened the very gifts God had placed within him. Yet our father’s story became one of perseverance. Surrounded by a praying mother and a loving support system, he was nurtured back to health during a time when rehabilitation resources were limited.

When God restored his health, Edward embraced another gift working on cars. When he wasn’t playing music, he could often be found under the hood of a vehicle, teaching others how to diagnose problems, make repairs, and become a skillful backyard mechanic. Known for his photographic memory, Edward had a remarkable ability to tell people exactly where to find the right car parts and how to repair the problem . He took pride in sharing his knowledge, helping others, and making sure those around him felt empowered and capable.

Over his adult years, Edward performed in many bands, but music was always more than entertainment it was his way of connecting with people. His lifelong friend Randy Starr described his voice as having a beautiful falsetto. Some of the bands he performed with included Slickaphonic, Randy Starr and the Players, and Groove Tube just to name a few.

Edward played wherever music welcomed him at Clyde’s, parks, hotels, the Elks Club, Mary’s Place, Texas Club, McCoy Park, Joe’s Place, Rated X, Mother Williams, Albina Arts Center, Highland, with fellow keyboard players throughout Vancouver, and at recreation spaces in Seattle.

Known by his stage name K1, Edward became recognized for his signature bass hand on the keyboard and his distinctive musical style, leaving a lasting impression on fellow musicians. He would often say, “This is a K1 thang.” To our father, music created connection, and connection created family. He never considered people simply friends he considered them family.

Our loved one’s life was marked by resilience, music, generosity, and love. Through every note played, every lesson shared, and every relationship built, he left behind a legacy that continues to live on in the hearts of his daughters, grandchildren, extended family, lifelong friends, and all those who knew and loved him.