Warren Don Terrell Sr.

Warren Don Terrell Sr. of Hammond Indiana, Passed away after a brief illness
at 93 years old on August 1, 2023. He was born in Cleveland Ohio January 15, 1930.
Who was Don? His mantra was God, family & friends first! To us he was Dad,
Grandpa, Great Grandpa and Great-Great Grandpa aka Papa. Dad's passion for
life, God and Family was on display everyday. He never met a stranger; just
made new friends. Don couldn't tell a joke to save his life but his quick wit had us
laughing in every conversation. His sense of humour on full display to the very
end. Quick to smile, slow to anger, well at least once all us kids were grown, so he
could be our friend and not just Dad. He had a story for every occasion and a
unique perspective on life. A devoted Catholic saying the Rosary was a twice
daily ritual. Don knew with all his heart that God created all humanity. We, all of
us; family, friends and those he had yet to meet were to be loved and accepted just
as Jesus taught, no matter who we were, who we loved or how we lived. He tried
not to judge anyone as it was not his place to do so! When asked his secret to a
long life he'd say, "Love, God, family, a "Beermosa", wine with dinner, cigarettes
and never to worry about anything beyond my control!"
Don was active in school, plays, clubs, always doing something, making time
to help on the farm. To hear him talk he walked to and from school uphill both
ways, lol. He graduated from Harvey High School in Painesville, being voted best
dressed... hard to believe since in later life it was t-shirt and jeans! He went to
John Carroll University while he worked in a clothing store, chauffeured, dug
ditches. He started teaching after graduation. escaped the cold moving to
California. There he was an Orange County Sheriff, taught school, developed OC's
drivers training program. He owned a speed reading company & taught at UCSB,
worked for Merrill Lynch, Trust Manager for Crocker Bank, owned a financial
services company, did commercials for Schwab, created a lighting company,
developed a Home Security business, VP for a tech company, had his hand in a
parcel delivery company and even raised cattle with his stepsons. As busy as he
was he volunteered, Knights of Columbus, Sierra Club, Santa Barbara Men's
Garden Club, helped restore historic botanical gardens, Church Committees,
Youth group leader., Don supported several wildlife organizations, loved dogs
and at least one was always by his side.
He was preceded in death by his parents David & Helen Terrell, his sister
Beverly Terrell, daughter Lisa Galdamez, great granddaughter Soleil Kihm, ex
wives Carolyn Terrell, Jayne Kay Kendall (Terrell) and Ann Spaulding Terrell
Grandparents. He is survived by 5 children, 6 step children, their spouses &
families that include numerous grandchildren, several great grandchildren & one great great grandchild.

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