Eldred Ray Leturno, 89, of Homosassa, FL, formerly of Effingham, passed away peacefully in his sleep with Hospice and his family surrounding him.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 22, 2011 at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with burial in Arborcrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday evening at the funeral. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

Eldred was born on Nov. 30, 1921 in Effingham, the son of Ray and Etha (Naab) Leturno.
He married his sweetheart, Esta (Poe) Leturno, on Dec. 24, 1945. They would have celebrated 66 years together this year. Eldred served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was wounded twice in France. He received the Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, Bronze Oak Leaf cluster and a good conduct medal for his service to his country.

Eldred was a farmer all his life in Effingham, retiring and moving to Florida in 1977. He loved fishing and woodworking. If he could fish every day, he was happy. There aren't many people whom he hasn't taken fishing or just for a tour of the Chassahowitzka River. Everyone who knew him loved him, and he did all he could to help out a neighbor.

He leaves behind his wife, Esta; daughter, Sharon Leturno Hoffman of Homosassa; sons, Larry (Deb) Leturno of Homosassa and Bob (Gail) Leturno of Effingham; grandchildren, 1st Sgt. Thomas (Kristina) Welch, Scott (Jen) Welch, Marcus (Margie) Leturno, Travis (Katrina) Leturno, Brigette Leturno and Jay Leturno; 15 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.