Terry Kenworth Stoepel was called to heaven by our Lord and Savior on Friday, Feb. 12, 2016. Memorial service: 9:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26, in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Terry was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Feb. 8, 1945, to Kenworth and Julia Stoepel. Terry attended Richardson High School, class of 1963. A star on the Richardson football team, Terry received a scholarship to attend and play football at the University of Tulsa in Tulsa, Okla. Terry, along with his friends and teammates of 1965 and 1966, were inducted into the Hall of Fame at the University of Tulsa in recognition of their NCAA achievements. Terry was drafted from the University of Tulsa to join the Chicago Bears in 1967. Terry was the starting tight end, he wore #89, and his first start was against the world-famous Packers. His football career was interrupted by the Vietnam War; he was drafted by the U.S. Army and served his country in Korea. After his active military service Terry returned to the Chicago Bears, and later was traded to the Houston Oilers. After his football career, 1967-1970, he enjoyed a successful career in logistics. Terry was a wonderful man, a true blessing to all who knew him. He will be remembered for his humility, quick wit, brilliant mind and genuine love for his friends and family. Terry's last wish was for his family and friends to continue living happy, productive lives. You gave us many things in life, gifts both great and small, but most of all you gave us love, the greatest gift of all. He will forever be in our hearts. Survivors: His wife of 34 years, Renita; sisters, Debbie Stoepel of Justin, and Jackie Tipton and husband, Rick, of The Woodlands; brothers, Tim, Ron and wife, Ann, and Gerry and wife, Suzanne, all of Kerrville; brother-in-law, Mark Suttee and wife, Cheila, of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and sisters-in law, Jayne Vinson and husband, Melvin, and Georgann Verel of Norman, Okla. Terry was blessed with six nieces, six nephews, four great-nieces, two great-nephews and three loyal canine companions, Razz, Bandit and Butch. Uncle Terry was larger than life to these children; all remember him as their "Hero," mentor, prankster, artist, "Bear."

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Published by Star-Telegram on Feb. 24, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Terry Stoepel

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24 Entries

Jackie Stoepel Tipton

February 18, 2025

Terry there isn't a day goes by that we don't miss you. We talk about you all the time. Love and miss you so much.

Jackie Stoepel Tipton

January 10, 2025

Terry, I think about you everyday and miss you so much. You were always there to hold my hands when I was learning to walk. My big bro. Your heart was always full of love and kindness and of course playing tricks on us. I remember when you use to put rocks in Nicole's pockets and make her pants slide down or the time when you took the little sausages we ate and put one behind her stuffed horse and told her she pooped. Miss those times with your pranks. I know you are with Mom n Dad and the three of you are watching over us all. I love you and miss you so much especially the hugs and your smile. One day we will all be together. Thank you for being my big, protective brother.

Tom Murphy

February 18, 2024

Great person to know& be around. Fortunate to call him friend. He is missed.
Tom Murphy

Thomas G Murphy

April 7, 2023

Recently in kerrville , Terry came to mind. A good friend, always fun to be around. You are always well thought of & missed.

Renita Stoepel

February 22, 2020

Four LONG years have passed since I saw your face and kissed your lips, I will never stop loving you and missing you. I see you in everything I do. You taught me so much, some things I honestly wondered why you wouldn't do the task yourself. Little did I know that you were teaching me to be independent. Even the little things, like leaving the tool box drawer open when I take a tool, so that I know exactly where to return it. I treasure every precious moment that we had together. Yes dear, you taught me so many things, just not how to live without you.
I am doing my best to live an honorable life as I promised. I wish we could turn back time. You are forever in my heart, until we meet again, keeping watching over us. I love you, Honey

Rudy RAMIREZ

February 21, 2020

I was watching the Smithsonian Channel the other night....Terry came to mind. The subject "The Concorde". I remember his enthusiasm and attention to detail when the joint venture with British Airways, Air France and Braniff was conceived. As I watched the show I was on edge to see if any of the film would catch a glimpse of the DFW operation, hoping to see Terry. Unfortunately, the joint venture was not addressed. Terry was the go to person for the processing of loading/unloading the cargo. His eyes would light up the ramp as the anticipation of another take off or landing was near. Focused and professional was his calling card. As many people knew, during that time period we were never very far apart. Days I will cherish the rest of my life. Miss you, Terry

Nicole Tipton

February 18, 2019

Thinking about you so much lately Uncle Terry! I hope you are having a great time with Nana and Papa. Just know I miss all of you so much. Love you always xoxo.

June 23, 2016

I have been thinking alot about you Uncle Terry, and thinking about all the laughs we had when I was little. I miss you so much and don't worry, I check on Aunt Renita everyday. Love you forever and always!!

Rudy Ramirez

June 21, 2016

I have many memories from those Braniff days, Bax, Fossil times. I wonder how many times I have told the story of us flying to Chicago for supper and returning the very same night, it was tough getting home. Our friendship was strong and I let it lapse the last years with sorrow in my heart and a deep feeling of loss. Renita forgive me for not keeping in touch.

I will miss you.

Dick Taylor

March 29, 2016

I have many fond memories when Terry and I worked together at Braniff Airlines and the early years after the Airline went away.
Terry actually did the artwork for the original Tex Air Delivery logo as I was starting the company. He also did the graphics on the side of one of my sailboats. Many good times during the eighties at our home in Bedford.

Rest in peace my friend,

Dick and Teresa

Nicole Tipton

March 28, 2016

I miss you more then you will ever know. I know you are having a beautiful time in Heaven with Nana and Papa. We will see you soon. Love you forever and always Uncle Terry.

Jessica Verel

March 23, 2016

Miss you Uncle Terry!

Renita

March 20, 2016

I miss you every moment of every day.

It wasn't just his heartbeat:
It wasn't just his smile;
It wasn't just his kindness that was with us for a while.
It wasn't just his way of life or his
wonderful attitude: it wasn't just the things he did for me and did for you.
It was his love that made the difference in the history of our lives.
It was his love that made the difference
in the woman he called his wife.
It was his love that made the difference in family and in friends.
It was his love that made the difference to his life's very end.
He chose the road least traveled, it's called the narrow way; and at its end is Heaven, its door the Pearly Gates.
And I'm sure he looked back toward us before he walked on in, knowing that he left his love to each of us his friends.

It has been my honor to love you and be your partner in this life. I could really use a BEAR Hug right now! I see you in all things, I know you will be waiting for me until I see you again. As promised I will take care of the boys and I will live an honorable life that you will be proud of.
Always in my Heart, I love you.

Sally Knox

March 11, 2016

Renita and Family. Such sad news to hear of Terry's passing. Although it has been many years since Terry made sales calls to Barksdale AFB for BAX, it seems like yesterday he was in telling his stories of football, dogs, his family, and of course logistics and moving that cargo. I will always treasure those days. Something that I read said that for the Christian, death involves the passage to eternity. Death is not the end of existence but the passage to a new state. Billy Graham once said that we will be given new bodies in heaven - bodies that will be similar to our bodies right now, but without the limitations and diseases that currently plague us. Terry my friend - rest in peace.

Terry and his new Puppy

Jayne Vinson

March 2, 2016

Renita and Terry at Sarah's Wedding

Jayne Vinson

March 2, 2016

Renita and Terry at Sarah's Wedding

Jayne Vinson

March 2, 2016

Mom's Party with Terry and Melvin

Jayne Vinson

March 2, 2016

February 28, 2016

Terry I miss you so much we had so many projects to do but I promise I will move forward and accomplish every one of them.
You were a great loving big brother with a big heart. I love you very much.
Your sister,Debbie Stoepel.

Jayne Suttee Vinson

February 28, 2016

Terry
We have known each other over 35 years and have had at least two things in common, we both loved Dogs and we both loved my sister Renita. It wasn't until this year while visiting you in the hospital that I felt a real connection between you and I! It wasn't anything that most people would call A BIG DEAL, but it was to me, and I will never forget it.
That same day I was to tell you a RIDDLE that I had told at least 50 times before. Not one person had ever come up with an answer to it. Not until you and the answer you gave was nothing less than BRILLIANT.
I'll miss you Terry! I'll miss seeing the next cool ride you have. I'll miss the art you create. Ill miss your quick wit. Ill miss seeing the love you have for DOGS. I'll miss you being there for Renita. I'll miss you Terry!

Tammy Owen

February 27, 2016

Renita, I am so sorry for your loss. Terry was a great man. May he RIP pain free

JoANN Elmore

February 25, 2016

You were my first BFF and I have missed you over the years. I am so thankful that we were able to visit last October. One day we will meet up again and take a ride in that big red truck. Windows down, radio blaring and pipes rumbling.

Dale Hargrove

February 25, 2016

Renita I just heard about Terry. I am so sorry for your loss. I got to meet Terry once and he seemed like a Super Guy. All my prayers are with you and your family.

nicole tipton

February 24, 2016

Uncle Terry, I will miss you so much. You were my hero and such an inspiration to me. I will love you forever and always. Take care of Nana and Papa for me, until we meet again. Love you, Nicole. Xoxoox

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