Terry S. Comer, age 81, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, surrounded by the family he cherished so very much. He was born January 21, 1945, to Jeanne (Kuncl) and Orville Comer in Orange, California.
Although Terry’s life was more than just his accomplishments, we are no less proud of them. Spending most all his life in Dayton, he was a faithful Catholic and an active parishioner of both Ascension and St. Francs of Assisi Catholic Churches over the course of his adult life. This included many roles, but especially leading a Bible Study with a wonderful group of friends for over forty years.
Following his graduation from Chaminade High School in 1963, Terry joined the United States Navy Medical Corps. After marriage in June of 1968, he proudly served as a Naval Medical Corpsman in Vietnam. His medical training in the war led him to his passion for helping those in need. Terry was employed at the former Dayton Children’s Psychiatric Hospital, then worked supporting the early medical practices of Dr. Peter Vasiliades and later Dr. James Derksen until his retirement in 2004. Most significantly, Terry was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend. We thank God for his life and are eternally grateful for his example of faithfulness to his family, especially the lessons of courage and purpose he left in offering up his suffering during his last years.
He is survived by Carol (Whitfield), his devoted wife of 58 years; his children, Teresa (Wade) Rupper, Kevin (Gloria) Comer, and Christopher (Michele) Comer; his beloved grandchildren, Meghan, Molly, and Madelyn Rupper; Dustin, Cameron and Logan Comer; and Elizabeth and Owen Comer. He was blessed to still have all his siblings, Kathleen Michel, Judy Imparato, Patricia (Mike) Curtis, Jeffrey (Patty) Comer, Janet (Edsell) Burris, Jamie (Mitchell) Giesy, Todd (Ashely) Comer, sister-in-law, Debra Yowell, and many precious nieces and nephews. Dear friends, co-workers, and patients added much joy and richness to his life as well. He will be so incredibly missed.
Visitation will be held at Tobias Funeral Home in Centerville on Monday, September 21st from 5-7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Tuesday, September 22nd at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton (www.OhiosHospice.org) or to Secret Smiles of Dayton (www.SecretSmilesDayton.org)
