George Terry

(From Knell Mortuary)

George Edward Terry was born in Kansas City, Kansas, August 22, 1934, and passed away peacefully at home in Carthage on September 15, 2020. 

George was very proud of his family—primarily his loving wife of 60 years, Virginia, his sons Andy and Jason, and daughter Christia. Other loved family members include Andy’s wife Nancy and grandchildren Drew, Cameron, and Erica; Jason’s wife Karen and grandchildren Nate and Emily; and Christy’s husband Paul and grandson Braden.

George graduated high school from Wyandotte High in Kansas City, Kansas in 1953, and then went on to college at Pittsburgh State University where he played football and worked at the local radio station. 

After college he married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Sue, lived in Gladstone for several years, and then moved the family to Carthage in 1971, so that George could continue as a salesman for the nearby area for Westvaco Pulp and Paper Company. As a new resident of Carthage, George fell in love with the town and became a staunch supporter of the community.

While in Carthage, George was an active participant in several organizations including Knights of Pythias and Kiwanis. He also loved his church, First United Methodist Church of Carthage, where he took great delight in hearing his wife Virginia sing her solos, participated himself in dramatic readings during special celebrations, and was a long-time member of Sunday School Class.

George was always the life of the party, a true entertainer and storyteller, which suited him well for his career as a salesman, first working for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, then Westvaco, and finally retiring from Leggett and Platt. Friends and strangers alike all remember George for his teasing, humor, and loving nature.

Once George was retired, he spent many enjoyable hours in his garage, the “cannon factory,” where he made numerous historical cannon replicas to either give away as gifts or donate to charity. These cannons are now spread across the area, each being a special memento of the great man who made it.

Inventor, man of frugality, entertainer, artist, Maple Leaf Parade party host, angler, gardener, cannon meister extraordinaire, husband, father, grandfather (Peepaw), neighbor, and friend, George Edward will be sorely missed.

Funeral services will be held 2 pm, Monday, September 21, 2020 at First United Methodist Church, Carthage. The family will receive friends from 2-4 pm, Sunday, September 20, 2020 at First United Methodist Church, Carthage. Interment will follow the service at Park Cemetery, Carthage. Memorial gifts are suggested to First United Methodist Church in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.