Terry Joseph Stimson

Terrance J. “Terry” Stimson, known lovingly as Ted or Teddy to his grandchildren, passed away on September 21, 2026, at the age of 79.

Terry was born on October 21, 1946, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Claude and Loretta Zurliene Stimson. He grew up on a farm in Pryor, Oklahoma, where he learned the value of hard work, family, and doing things the right way—qualities that would stay with him throughout his life.

Terry attended Pryor High School and later continued his education at OMA College. He began his working career at a local gas station garage, but quickly realized that the dirty work of the garage wasn’t where his interests or talents were. He went on to become a heli-arc welder, working on airplanes at McDonald Douglas, where he developed valuable skills and a strong understanding of construction and engineering.

With his natural ability, determination, and willingness to learn, Terry eventually taught himself to read construction plans and found his true calling in home building. In 1974, he began building homes, launching a career that would span decades and leave a lasting mark on the community. In his twenties, Terry and his brother Jerry established Stimson Brothers Construction, working side by side to build homes and businesses and create a family legacy that would continue for generations.

Terry’s dedication to the building industry extended beyond his own work. In 1990, he served as President of the Home Builders Association, a reflection of the knowledge, experience, and respect he had earned throughout his career.

Building was more than a career for Terry—it was something he took pride in. Whether he was working with his hands, reading a set of plans, or teaching himself something new, he was always willing to figure out how to make it work. His work can be seen in the homes and businesses he helped build, but his greatest accomplishment was the family and legacy he built along the way.

Terry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He shared 60 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Bonnie Stimson, who was by his side throughout their life, and together they built a family that became the greatest part of his legacy.

As a grandfather, Terry was affectionately known as Ted or Teddy, and his grandchildren knew him as someone whose presence, stories, and love would stay with them forever.

Terry is survived by his wife, Bonnie Stimson; daughters, Janie Eaton and her husband, Ryan Eaton, and Tara Duff and her husband, Destry Duff; and his grandchildren, Zac Tarpley and his wife, Shannon; Reid Tarpley and his wife, Maggie; Jessye Woods and her husband, Brent; Summer Tarpley and her fiancé, Josh Mullei; Hunter Smith; Jordan Smith; Jack Smith; Grace Smith and her fiance, Zack Sims; Sky Duff and his wife, Trisha; Joel Duff and his wife, Coletta; Eillee Patuto and her husband, Pierce Patuto; Janna Jordan and her husband, Taylor; Jacey Parker Eaton and Emily; and Jacob Eaton and his wife, Sydney.

He was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. His family was his greatest legacy, and he took immense pride in watching each generation grow.

Terry also has several beloved siblings, in-laws, and extended family members, including Jerry Stimson wife Sherry , Joan Sherwood, Theresa Webster, Robbie Zalta, Claudette Downing husband Regan, and brother-in-law, Ron Griggs.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Loretta Zurliene Stimson; his daughter, Angela Tarpley; son-in-law, David Tarpley; brothers, Dan Stimson and Michael Stimson & Wife Carolyn; brother in Laws, Robert Webster, Danny Zalta, & Joe Griggs; sister in law Karen Griggs; nieces, Julie Hillburn, Leslie Fields; nephew, Elin Zalta. In Laws, Jack and Judy Griggs; cousin and best friend, Harold Dake; grandson-in-law Taryn Tindle.

Terry will also be laid to rest alongside his brother, Dan Stimson. Dan’s ashes will be placed with Terry, allowing the brothers to be together once again.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Cecilia Catholic Church Food Pantry.