Terry Lee Stiles

He was born on February 17, 1950 in Springfield, MO. Terry grew up as an army brat and moved numerous times growing up. He often spoke of the years he lived in Germany as a child; later this would be where his love of travel began.

After graduating from high school he moved to Texas to attend college. It was there living in San Antonio that he met the love of his Martha Stiles. The day was June 20, 1969, and the place was the Officers Club. While everyone at the club was busy watching men land on the moon, Terry was busy watching Martha. And the rest, as they say, is history. They were married 18 months later on January 16th, 1971 in San Antonio, TX.

Terry and Martha moved back to Missouri so that he could attend college at the University of Missouri-Rolla; where he studied engineering. After college and two children they made their home in Columbia, MO.

It was here that Terry started several successful businesses. Including: Dri-Con Systems, Orthman Conveying, and TLC Moving, among others. Terry was always curious, and mechanically minded. And was known as the "Professor" in the manufacturing world. He was the go to person when it came to designing and building complex machines across numerous industries.

Terry never took his success for granted and was constantly paying his good fortune forward. He would frequently take meetings with other local business people/entrepreneurs who would walk into his office via referrals, or whom he had met through chance encounter. He was always happy to offer them advice and friendship.

Terry was a dedicated father and grandfather and never missed a chance to spend time with his three grandsons; whether it was taking them on a trip to Europe or coaching their soccer team. They brought each other endless joy and amusement.

He also enjoyed numerous hobbies; he was an excellent skier, a member of the Corvette Club, and enjoyed games of strategy. But most of all he loved traveling; he and his wife Martha visited over 25 countries during their lifetime.

He was kind and community minded and would frequently donate both his time and money to the Hepatitis C Alliance, The Assistance League of Mid Missouri, the VA, and Big Brothers & Big Sisters.

His impact and contributions to the community were widespread and heartfelt. He will be sorely missed.

He was survived by his children Jeffrey Stiles & Kimberly Collier, his grandchildren Jacob, Christopher, and Justus Palmer. Great grandson Santino Palmer. And his siblings Christopher and Thomas Stiles.

He was predeceased by his wife Martha Stiles, brother Michael Stiles, and parents Jack and Alma Stiles.

Visitation will be at 11:00 AM on August 28, 2025 at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia MO. Funeral service will begin at 12pm, followed by burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Missouri, 1601 E Broadway, Suite 245, Columbia, MO 65201 or online at alz.org

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com