Terry Allen Sigler

Terry Allen Sigler was born in Henderson, Kentucky, in 1947 to Henry Allen and Mary Virginia Sigler. Around 1960, the family moved to St. Louis when Henry took a job with Chrysler. Terry graduated from Southwest High School before heading to Central Missouri University, where he earned a degree in history in 1969.

That same year, he began his career with the Kansas City, Missouri Public Schools, assigned to Paseo High School during a time of educational and social transition. The school’s modular scheduling system—without traditional classrooms or schedules—wasn’t for everyone, and when many veteran teachers opted out, a wave of young educators stepped in. Among them was a young social studies teacher named Jan Cowan.

At first, Terry and Jan shared an office. Three years later, they shared a classroom as part of the American history teaching team. In 1978, they shared vows.

Terry was quick, witty, and charming—sometimes bold, occasionally brash—but always dependable, steadfast, and deeply supportive. He adored Jan and took great care of her, never minding her self-proclaimed lack of domestic skills. He loved women, and women loved him—but Jan was his heart and his home.

After their marriage, Terry moved into educational administration, serving in a variety of central office and secondary school leadership roles. He retired from KCPS in 2000, after more than 30 years of service.

Both Terry and Jan shared a deep love of travel throughout their marriage, and dog shows became their favorite excuse to see the country. From coast to coast, they explored the highways and backroads of America, often with a van full of Siberian Huskies and a weekend show on the calendar. What began as a hobby for Jan quickly became a shared pursuit, and the man who once joked that they should “cut down on dogs” was soon fully immersed in the sport himself.

Together, the Siglers built a small but successful breeding program that produced multiple AKC champions and countless memories with friends made along the show circuit. Terry was endlessly supportive of Jan’s passion—encouraging her to pursue her judging license—and eventually decided to step into the ring himself. His “one last dog,” a little gray Siberian named Buffy, became his pride and joy. Terry finished her championship and proudly campaigned her to the #1 Siberian in 2003.

To help fund that adventure, Terry came out of retirement briefly as the coordinator of graduate studies at Central Missouri State University. When the time came to retire from showing dogs, the Siglers found a new way to stay involved: judging. Terry earned his own AKC judging license in 2012, and together they expanded their travels beyond dog shows to destinations around the world—often with their dear friends Karen and Bob McFarlane.

Terry’s quick wit and sharp humor could fill any room, but it was his steadfast heart that left the greatest impression. He cared deeply—for his family, his friends, and every dog who shared his home. He lived life with warmth, courage, and an unshakable sparkle in his eye.

The world feels a little less bright without him, but the laughter, love, and loyalty he shared will stay with all who were lucky enough to call him a friend.