John Darrell Turman (71) died from respiratory failure due to COVID-19 on November 18, 2020 at the VA Medical Center-Fort Harrison, Montana.John was born on September 2, 1949 at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL as a fourthgeneration native Floridian. He was predeceased by his father Lloyd Hendricks Turman, De Queen, AR; mother Myrtis Bennett Turman, Port Orange, FL. and sister Sharon Geraghty, Queens, NY.John is survived by his brother Lloyd "Buddy" Turman, Sarasota, FL, sister-in-law Susan "Suzi" Atherton, Sarasota, FL., niece Julie K. Turman, Charlotte, NC., nephew Eric W. Turman, Tampa, FL., devoted friend Ralph Whitney, Helena, MT, and his beloved dog. At the time of his death, John was a member of the United Methodist Church, the National Society Sons of the American Revolution and the Gator Nation.John attended public schools in Miami and graduated from Miami Springs Senior High in 1967. Following his senior year, John attended Miami-Dade Junior College earning his Associate of Arts degree. He then did a tour of duty in the United States Navy. Following honorable service to his country, he attended the University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts-Anthropology degree.His professional career started in law enforcement as a Florida Marine Patrol officer in Sarasota, FL. After a brief stint, he left for a career with the United States Postal Service. He retired from USPS with a job-related disability. In 2010 he sought a new adventure and moved to Helena, Montana. Despite the harsh winters, he commented frequently of how much he enjoyed his new friends, the western culture and the Big Sky scenery.Although John's physical disability interfered with many sports activities he once participated in, he loved to fish and was an avid football fan. Additionally, he loved animals. In fact, while living in Sarasota he started raising goats as a hobby that eventually transformed into the largest goat herd in southwest Florida.The family wishes to express gratitude to the doctors and staff of VA Medical Center-Ft. Harrison for the outstanding care and compassionate attention given John. A private ceremony and celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to a charity of choice.