Obituary of Truman Osburne Terrell

Truman Osborne Terrell, 88, passed away September 8, 2021. It was a long journey as Truman suffered from Dementia and COPD. He fought a brave battle. Truman was born in Fort Worth on February 18, 1933, the son of Dr. C.O. Terrell and Dr. Blanche O. Terrell, well known Fort Worth pediatricians. He attended Kemper Military School and graduated from Paschal High School (1950). He received his B.S. in Science (1958) and M.S. in Education (1963) from Texas Wesleyan College. Truman attended the National Science Foundation Institute at North Texas State University (1965-66) and received Doctoral training in School Administration at Texas Women’s University (1977-78). After he received his professional teaching certificate in 1961, his teaching career included: 9th Grade Science at Richland Junior High, Birdville ISD (1961-62) and from 1962-1990, Biology I, Anatomy and Physiology, Honors Anatomy and Physiology, Environmental Science, and Driver Education at Richland High School, Birdville ISD. He retired in 1990 with 29 years of experience. He also served in various association including: 1961-71 Committee and officer (Parliamentarian and Vice-President) of the Birdville Classroom Teachers Association, Local Unit of Texas State Teachers Association; 1971-72 President of the Birdville Classroom Teachers Association; 1978 Member of Southern Association Evaluation Team for Nolan High School; 1986-87 Member of planning committee for new science department construction at Richland High School; and 1986-90 Science Department chairman at Richland High School. As a longtime educator, Truman was able to carry on conversations on any subject and convince you of his convictions. He taught many students throughout his career and treated each student as if they were his own. His interests outside the classroom included a Life Time Membership in VFW Lake Texoma Post 7873 and the Birdville Association of Retired School Personnel. He was a very dedicated citizen and served on many committees in his neighborhood and with Citizens on patrol for 21 years, a community program to curb crime in neighborhoods. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. John S. Terrell; niece, Lynn Gafford; nephew, Jeffrey Scott Terrell; step brothers, Dr. C.O. Terrell Jr., Dr. Charles Terrell, and Robert Garnett Terrell. Survivors: spouse of 53 years, Margaret (Peggy) Terrell; daughter, Julie Terrell Ford and her husband, Michael Jay Ford; nephew, Caleb Osborne Terrell; granddaughter, Sarah Conkle and her husband, Robert Conkle; great-granddaughters, Jessica Louise Conkle, Robin Makenzie Conkle, and many cousins and friends. Truman will be missed in his community. His family has been left of many memories. May he rest in peace and in the hands of God. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Legend Hospice and the team that cared for him. Jeanette, Ms. Dee, Marissa, Olu, and Ms. Martha came forward with their loving care and expertise. A very special thanks to Katie for her care to “Mr. T”, she offered love, prayers, and needed therapy to Peggy. Katie will always be a special friend to our family. Visitation: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at Thompson’s Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, 4350 River Oaks Blvd., River Oaks, TX 76114. Celebration of Life: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at Thompson’s Harveson & Cole Funeral Home. Interment: Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. Memorials: The family requests memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, to Mindset Fitness & Yoga, 2307 Gravel Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76118. Travis and JR, his personal trainers, would come to Mr. Terrell’s house to keep him fit. The family is so grateful for their time.