Dannie Lane Terry

October 17, 1949 – June 8, 2025

Dan Terry, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025, surrounded by love—and, in true Dan fashion, amidst a dramatic lightning storm. He was 75.

Born in Texas to Otis and Mary Ruth Terry, Dan grew up with a deep sense of curiosity, a knack for fixing anything, and a rugged determination that would shape his entire life. He graduated from Denton High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee.

Dan began his career in construction, then proudly served in the U.S. Navy, where he was introduced to electronics and computers. He distinguished himself by qualifying for Air Crew and earning “Iron Man” honors—outperforming younger recruits and even drawing interest from the Navy SEALs, which he humbly declined. After his service, Dan worked on early touch-screen technologies used in correctional facilities, and later served as a manager at AutoZone headquarters, overseeing electrical installations and safety systems.

Dan was also a family man. He was married to his first wife Sharon Moeller (Terry) from Denton, TX in July of 1967 and had Amy, Tom, Ben, and Emily. He met his second wife, Mary Chrisman (Terry) in April 1987 at a church in Memphis Tennessee and were married in October 1988. They had twins, Elissa and Jacob before moving from Tennessee to Iowa.

Yet, among all his professional achievements, Dan’s favorite job was being a full-time father. After the birth of his twins, he stepped away from corporate life to raise them and run a small farm in rural Madison County, Iowa. He tended to horses, cattle, and his family with care and humor.

Dan loved the outdoors—hiking, hunting, and simply being in the mountains, his spiritual home. He was a natural teacher, always ready to share his knowledge, especially if it involved tools, history, or the Lewis and Clark expedition. He made people laugh with his many voices and silly songs, and sang with a beautiful baritone that filled every room—and every heart.

Dan was a gifted problem-solver with a kind soul, quick wit, and a generous heart. He had a flair for storytelling, a twinkle in his eye, and a toolbox always at the ready. He was never one to sit still when something (or someone) needed help.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Mary Terry; his children and their spouses: Amy & Torre Bagby, Thomas & Jenny Terry, Benjamin & Michelle Terry, Emily Terry, Elissa & Paden VanHorn, and Jacob Terry; his grandchildren: Kaitlin Hiester, Cole Bagby, Carter Bagby, Aubrey Terry, Owen Terry, Flynn Terry, Luke Terry, and Blake Wallace; and his great-grandchildren: Gwen Hiester and Sophia Wallace.

Dan is also survived by his siblings Jay, Evelyn, and Belinda Terry, and by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who adored him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Ruth Terry, and his brothers John, Jerry, Rodney, and David Terry.

Whether he was cheering for the grandkids, singing from a musical, or lending a hand on a project, Dan showed up with a smile and a servant’s heart. He loved deeply and lived fully. As his daughter Amy said, he was her superhero—and he went out like one.

In honor of Dan, the family invites you to take a walk in the woods, fix something with your own hands, or sing a silly song in his memory. And, if you feel called to make a charitable gift in Dan's memory, there are two organizations that are especially meaningful to him, the Nebraska Medicine Nursing Development Fund and the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center’s Hope fund for Lymphoma & Leukemia research.

https://secure.nufoundation.org/give?fundid=01147100&sitename=NM%20Nursing&wprefer=https://www.nebraskamed.com/

https://secure.nufoundation.org/give?fundid=01100020&sitename=UNMC%20Fred%20and%20Pamela%20Buffett%20Cancer%20Center&wprefer=https://www.unmc.edu/

Thanks for the wonderful adventure, Dan.

A celebration of Life Memorial Service has been schedule for Saturday, June 21, 2025 2pm at Stonebriar Funeral Home located at 10375 Preston Rd., Frisco, TX 75033.