Bert Terrell, 73, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 5, 2011.
Bert was born June 13, 1937 in San Diego, CA to Albert and Josephine Terrell. Bert was preceded in death by his parents and a son, John Bertie. Bert is survived by his beloved wife, Donna; his children, Jenny Derks and husband Gene, Janetta Lee and husband Chuck, Joel Terrell, Jeff Terrell and wife Jolene; grandchildren, Alexis, Chelsy, Chloe, Barbie, Chip, Nicholas, Nora, John, Sarah, Cavin, Stephen, Kallie and Elijah; great grandchild, Mason; his brother, Steve and wife Elsa.
After being raised in Southern California, Bert joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in southern Japan. During this time Bert was a champion cyclist competing in both road and track races. Bert was discharged from the Air Force and moved to Central Missouri to assist his parents with the family farm. At the age of 24, Bert accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and married Donna Potts. These two decisions formed the foundation for the rest of his life.
Bert trained at Biola College and Baptist Bible College to work in full time ministry. This training was utilized throughout his life in endeavors ranging from the founding of New Testament Baptist Church and Christian School in Norton, MA to hosting a weekly TV broadcast, The High Street Hour. In later years, he completed training that allowed him to serve as a chaplain at St. Johns Hospital. He never saw a challenge that he felt he couldn’t meet, because he knew that nothing is impossible with God.
Bert believed that the words of scripture were true and he lived according to these truths. As a Christian, Bert’s greatest passion and enjoyment was to teach the Bible and to encourage others in their walk with the Lord. As a pastor, business man, hospital chaplain and Bible teacher, Bert touched many lives because he genuinely cared for people and was willing to help.
Bert and Donna were married for nearly 50 years, devoting themselves to loving each other, their family and serving the Lord. Bert always knew that the best gift God had given him was Donna, and Donna loved and supported Bert in every aspect of life. Bert dearly loved his children and grandchildren, and enjoyed playing chess and ping pong, swimming in the pool and spending quality time talking and sharing together. He was committed to his family in every way and will be dearly missed be each family member.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 9, 2011 at 9:30 AM at Greenlawn Funeral Home South with burial to follow in National Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 8, 2011 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the funeral home.
Online condolences can be made at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home South.