Terry Cogdill

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Grace Episcopal Church with Father John Adams officiating. Burial will be Greenwood Cemetery immediately following the ceremony. Terry will be buried with full military honors.

Terry Ross Cogdill, 73, of Chadron, died Sunday, June 4th at home.

Terry was born on January 17th, 1944 to John and Alta Mae (Neely) Cogdill. As a young man he lived with his family on the Cogdill farm and attended Chadron High School where he played on the varsity football, basketball and track teams.

After graduation, Terry enlisted in the Navy. He served as a radioman aboard the LCU (Landing Craft Utilized) 1483 boat in the US Navy, attached to Assault Craft Division 13, from 1962-1966. He was deployed to Vietnam from 1965-1966. He was an M-Day in the US Army Guard from 1977-1983 and ARG (Active Duty Guard and Reserve) from 1983-1989. Terry retired with 28 years of military service. He is a recipient of an RCOM (Army Commendation Medal) and retired as a Sergeant First Class. Terry is a lifetime member of the VFW, DAV and American Legion. He was Commander of American Legion Post 12 in Chadron and the Commander of American Legion District 1. He also served as the adjutant for DAV Unit 36.

In 1967, Terry attended Chadron State College where he earned a degree in Business Education, as well as endorsements in Driving Training and Coaching. He taught Business classes and Drivers Training in Morrill, NE, Homer, AK and Pine Ridge Reservation, SD, as well as the Pine Ridge Job Corps where he worked until retirement. Terry also coached football, basketball, wrestling and golf.

On June 22, 1968, he married the love of his life, Betty (Horse) in Chadron. They have two children, Ross Boog (Ellen) of Ogallala, NE and Matthew John (Andrea) of Lincoln, NE. In the nearly 49 years of marriage to his best friend, they enjoyed everything from malts at Donald's, golfing and Husker Games to the joy of raising their boys and following their grandkids. They were also very involved at Grace Episcopal Church were Terry served as a lecture, acolyte, and any other job that needed done and Betty served as pianist, as well as decorating the alter with her gorgeous flower arrangements. Terry's greatest passion, besides his family, was his service to his community and others in need. Whether helping an elderly woman with groceries or offering life advice to young adults, Terry saw the best in everyone and encouraged others to see it, too.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Chuck Cogdill. He is survived by his wife, children, six grandchildren and one great grandchild and his brother Rex Cogdill.

Honorary pall bearers will be Darrell Marshall, Bill Wegner, Steve Lecher, Jack Mitchell and Dennis Salisbury.

The family suggested memorials to the American Legion Post 12 in Chadron or Grace Episcopal Church in Chadron in lieu of flowers. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

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