Terrance "Terry" Ralph Vinton

Terrance Ralph Vinton, age 46 of Mullen, passed away Friday August 29, 2014 on his ranch.
Terry was born on August 27, 1968 in North Platte, NE to Ralph Patrick and Maryann (Manning) Vinton. He graduated from Thomas Moore Prep Marian High School in Hayes, Ks. After high school he attended UNL and then Chadron State where he entered the navy through the NAVCAD program. He graduated from AOCS in Pensacola, FL and continued his flight training in Milton, FL and Corpus Christi, TX. Terry received his Naval Officer Commission and wings in September of 1991. He was then stationed at NAS Norfolk, Norfolk, VA where he flew the E2-C Hawkeye off carriers with squadrons VAW 120, VAW 122, and VAW 123. He graduated from Embry Riddle University with a degree in professional aeronautics in 1998. He married Denise Mitchell on September 23, 1991 in Corpus Christi, TX. The couple resided in Virginia Beach, VA and had four children. In 1998 his family moved back to Marsland, NE until he finished his last tour with VAW 124 on the USS Teddy Roosevelt and joined them the following year. In 2000 he was hired on with Northwest Airlines and moved to Mullen, NE to both fly for the airlines and begin ranching. He transferred to United Airlines in January of 2001 and was furloughed in October of 2001. He continued ranching and joined the Navy Reserves. The Navy Reserves gave him many opportunities that allowed him to work in numerous places around the world which included London, South Africa, Morocco, Mauritius, and Iraq in 2009-2010. While in Iraq he worked in the US Embassy in education and agriculture. Terry's final military position was Lieutenant Commander serving as a War Plans Reviewer in JFCC Global Strike at US Strategic Command.
Terry was a loving husband to one, a dutiful and caring father to four, the youngest brother of eleven, and an honest friend to many. He lived solely for his family, placing them at the center of his life. He had always thought ahead in regards to the family ranch. Terry was an incredible person set in an elite caste of exceptional people, full of optimism, and really knew how to revel in each day to the fullest. He is loved, and he will be missed.
Terry is survived by his wife Denise of Mullen; four children, Jeremy, Joshua, Bethany and Joseph Vinton of Mullen; seven brothers and two sisters, Dan (Mona) Vinton of Whitman, Maureen (Jim) Skavdahl of Marsland, NE, Ralph Patrick Vinton of Whitman, Jim Vinton of North Platte, George (Lori) Vinton of North Platte, Brian (Joyce) Vinton of Copperton, UT, Michael Paul (Stacey) Vinton of Whitman, Mary Ann (John Noble) Vinton of Omaha, and Timothy Ralph (Lori) Vinton of Whitman; sister-in-laws Miriam Vinton of Parker, CO, and Angie (Randy) Pierce of Jenison, MI; brother-in-law Ryan (Lisa) Mitchell of Norfolk, NE; in-laws Joyce and Pat Mitchell of Hastings, NE; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother John Peter "Pete" Vinton; and nephew Jacob Paul Vinton.
Memorials are suggested to Terry's children's education fund and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Christian Wake Services will be 7:00 p.m. MT at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mullen on Tuesday September 2, 2014. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 a.m. MT Wednesday September 3, 2014 also at St. Mary's the Father Louis Sellam as celebrant. Burial will follow at Cedarview Cemetery. A luncheon will be served at the Lariat. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. MT until service time on Tuesday September 2, 2014 at St. Mary's. Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.