Terry passed on Friday, August 2nd, 2024 at his residence in Gillette, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 75. Memorial services will be conducted on Monday, August 12th at Gillette Memorial Chapel (210 W. 5th St.) at 10am, to be officiated by Bishop Chet Parker.
Terry was born in Price, Utah on the 7th April 1949 and was essentially raised within the state. He enlisted in the ARMY in 1967 and was stationed at Ft. Bliss, TX. After graduating from basic training, he entered the field of helicopter maintenance at Ft. Eustis, VA, before becoming a paratrooper at Ft. Benning, GA, and eventually settling at Ft. Bragg, NC. Terry also valiantly served for two years in Vietnam.
Terry married Jean Marie Walker on the 24th September, 1973, in his parent’s home in Tooele, UT. Jean had three children at that time; Kristie, Lauri, and Ronny Park. Heather was born in Utah. Shortly after the family moved to Wyoming. Nanette was born in Casper, WY. Shortly after the family moved Douglas, WY and finally ended up in Gillette, WY. Jean passed in an untimely fashion in 1982.
Terry married Lori Davis on April 14, 1984, and from that union came a child, Jesse James Jones, born on September 29, 1992. Terry and Lori enjoyed a western lifestyle complete with horses for the three kids who lived with them at that time. Terry wore cowboy boots every day until he broke his toe bowling and discovered sneakers. Unashamed and unafraid, Terry often wore a cowboy hat that made him look like Festus, but his appearance never seemed to stop him!
Terry was a mechanic at the coal mine for 27 years, beginning with Sun Coal Mine, where Terry saw the ownership change several times, until it became its most recent incarnation as Navajo Transitional Energy Company. His professional pursuits gave his family a comfortable lifestyle and paid for his hobbies. Terry retired at the age of 58 to enjoy his life with wife, kids, and grandchildren.
With any available free time, Terry could be found at Perkins connecting with friends. Those who spent time with him there know that treasured memories can come from the strangest places…even a Perkins restaurant.
When the grandkids entered the family, Terry wanted horses again, and that too became an adventurous reality for the whole family to enjoy. Family activities Terry loved to watch (other than barrel racing) included dirt track racing (Paxton), football (Leo), soccer (Clyde and Cashush and Bently), basketball (Leo), and track (Leo).
Terry had an unwavering love for his grandkids and took great care of them until his end. He was a truly wonderful, dedicated, and respected man to his family, as well as all who know and love him.
Terry is survived by his present wife, Lori; children, Ronnie Park (Flor), Kristie Park, Lori McClain (Rick), Heather Essen (Michael), Nanette Sachse (Peter), and Jesse James Jones (Danielle); grandchildren, Alex, Jean, Ashley, Skyler, Natalie, McKayla, Jacob, Dallis, Dillon, Tyler, Aspen, Michael Dale, Paizley, Paxton, Abby, Bently, Leo, Jauzlin, Cashush, Clyde, Juztice, Taylynn, and Tucker.
Condolences may be expressed at gillettememorialchapel.com or sent to 210 W. 5th St, Gillette, WY, 82716, care of Lori Jones.
Monday, August 12, 2024
10:00 - 11:00 am (Mountain time)
Gillette Memorial Chapel
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