Thomas "Tom" B. Terrell

Thomas “Tom” Benjamin Terrell, 89, passed away on November 12, 2026.  

Services are currently pending in David City.                                     

Tom was a man who could fix just about anything. He enjoyed a good adventure and approached life with a curious mind and capable hands. He loved staying busy, learning new things, and taking on challenges, always determined to find a solution. 

Whether building his own canoe from apple crates and canvas as a teenager, camping and a memorable trip to the Grand Canyon with the Boy Scouts as Scoutmaster, enjoying camping trips with his wife, Pat, after their children were grown, spending winters in Yuma, or traveling by train, Tom loved exploring new places and making the most of life's adventures.

His working life was just as varied and full of purpose. From attending technical trade school and working as a traveling salesman to owning and operating a TV and Appliance Sales and Service store, serving as a firefighter, and working outdoors with the Parks Department, Tom embraced a variety of careers that reflected his strong work ethic, versatility, and willingness to take on something new.

Tom shared 54 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Patricia “Pat,” who preceded him in death. Together, they built a life and family filled with love and wonderful memories. Tom will be remembered for his love, resourcefulness, wealth of knowledge, and willingness to share what he knew with others. The memories he leaves behind, along with the skills and lessons he passed down, will live on through his children and their families for generations to come.

Tom was a proud father of five children, grandfather of 16 grandchildren, and great-grandfather of two great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his children and their families:

● Debra (Steve Gerlach) and family: Ryan, Jeff (Jenny), Leann (Billy Richards), Jamie, Aaron (Emily), Hannah; and Leann and Billy's children, Jackson and Jude.

● Michael (Becky) and family: Ben and Anna.

● Allen (Lulu) and family: Stanley.

● Mark (Jill) and family: Drake, Aryonna, Willow, and Zane.

● Mary (Scott Miller) and family: Coven (Georgia), Caden (Hannah), and Lauren.

We can picture Tom now, ready for his next adventure, with something new to explore, something to figure out, and perhaps one more thing to fix along the way.