Terry Lee Loveland began his heavenly journey home, November 7, 2017. Terry was born July 31, 1937 to Woodrow and Oneata (Gaddis) Loveland, who preceded him in death. Terry accepted Jesus offer of eternal salvation early in his life and was baptized into Christ and remained a faithful member of the Church of Christ his entire life.

Growing up Terry traveled extensively with his parents including all fifty states, Mexico and Canada. He attended Springfield Schools graduating from (SHS) now known as Central High School. He participated in numerous school activities. His education continued at Southwest Missouri State University. He then transferred to Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas where he enjoyed participating in choral performances with the Harding Chorus and traveling throughout the United States. He transferred back to SMS and completed his undergraduate studies earning a Bachelors Degree in Business and completed his ROTC training, entering the Army Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma as a Second Lieutenant. He advanced to Captain during his stay at Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

In 1963 Terry began working as an auditor with the U.S. Inspector Generals Office out of Kansas City, MO. Four years later he chose to attend Missouri University at Columbia pursuing graduate studies and completing his Masters Degree in Accounting.

In 1972 Terry accepted a position as assistant professor in accounting at SMSU and continued until his retirement 33 years later (2005). Terry continued to travel to Europe (20) countries including: Russia, the Caribbean, and Canada. His very favorite places were Salzburg, Germany, Austria, The Bavarian Alps and the Banff area of Canada. At SMSU he developed the international accounting component of the Curricula and directed the Business European Study Tour (Best) to Europe for students to meet with executives at firms and organizations like Rolex in Zurich, BMW in Munich, Mercedes in Stuttgart, Headquarters of the Common Market, and the European NATO Headquarters in Brussels. He conducted several student study tours to Europe over the years.

He was an avid fan and supporter of the SMSU Bears Men and Women Basketball Teams and did not miss home games if possible.

He followed the developments and growth of Branson and eagerly attended the International Shows and Festivals held annually at Silver Dollar City. He loved attending many of Branson’s variety shows each year.

Terry was preceded in death by a dear cousin, Dorann (Lewis) Thoreen and her parents Harmon and Hazel Lewis who lived beside the Lovelands for many years. Dorann was like an older sister to him and one of his travel buddies. What tales they could tell on each other! They made family gatherings so much fun. All you had to do was sit back and listen. Terry is survived by numerous cousins who enjoyed his sense of humor, tenacity, and zest for life.

Terry’s last big adventure was the purchase of a new 2017 van in September of 2016. He drove it home and didn’t drive it again, because of illness, until about 3 weeks before his passing when he wandered outside his assisted living facilities where it had been recently parked, and managed to get in the van, (we don’t know how), backed it out, drove it around the parking lot, and luckily re-parked it without incident. Upon the staffs recognition of this individual and the driving skills exhibited they were immediately available to help him exit the vehicle. Needless to say, Wanda got a phone call in less than five minutes stating the facts and making suggestions. Terry was tenacious in living! We have lost a great friend and loved one.

God saw he was getting tired,
And a cure was not to be.
So, He put His arms around him,
And whispered, “Come with Me.”
With tearful eyes we watched him suffer,
And saw him fade away.
Although we loved him dearly,
We could not make him stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove
He only takes the best.

Sadly missed by family and friends.

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