Terry Shingler Obituary

Terry Gerald Shingler, 63, of McAllen, TX, died February 23, 2018 at Comfort House, in McAllen, TX. Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Regina (Kemmerer) Shingler and Gerald Knauss Shingler. He graduated from Emmaus in 72 with the John Phillip Sousa award for outstanding musicianship. He started percussion with drum lessons at an early age. After taking lessons at his father's studio, he continued weekly lessons, studying privately in Philadelphia. In high school he was selected for District Band, District Orchestra, Regional Band and State Band. He participated in Key Club, Esquires and Pep Band. He attended Temple University, earning his Bachelor's Degree in Music. He attended Bowling Green State University and obtained his Master's in Music Performance. He played with the Macungie Band, Allentown Symphony Orchestra, Allentown Pops, Bud Rader Orchestra and Guthsville Playhouse Orchestra. He toured and played with The International All-Star Circus out of Sarasota, FLA. He spent 2 years as a graduate assistant, while earning his Master's at Bowling Green, before moving to Reno, NV. He played with Reno Philharmonic Orchestra and Reno Chamber Orchestra before joining the "House Band" at MGM Grand Hotel. Eventually he became MGM's headline band drummer, performing with many big name entertainers. He taught percussion methods at the University of Nevada at Reno. He moved to McAllen, TX, where he was Band Director and Head Music Instructor at Sharyland Jr. High in Mission, TX. He continued performing in and around the South Padre Island area. He retired from teaching in 2016. Survivors: (wife) Mary (Chen) Shingler, McAllen, TX, (son) Tommy (Chen) Shingler & (stepson) Michael Chen, both of McAllen, TX, (sister) Gail Steiner, wife of David Steiner, York, PA, (brother) Glenn Gerald Shingler and significant other, Beth A. Eck, Macungie, PA Service: Burial will be celebrated at a later date. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, please consider the needs of the family. Contributions may be made to Terry's widow, Mary Chen Shingler and to their son, Tommy Chen Shingler 3213 N.36th St. McAllen, TX 78501

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Published by Morning Call on Mar. 23, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Terry Shingler

7 Entries

Stephen Martin

March 16, 2019

So sad to hear about Terry's passing was searching him on FB to find out what happened to my old buddy. I had the pleasure of being Terry's roomate and good friend for a year at "Harvard on the Delaware" Temple U. I gave him the moniker "Hands" Shingler and it stuck with all the guys on the floor. Always related to my friends how Terry had to take like 8 2 credit courses a semester in almost every instrument. Temple is a very tough music school. He would come in the room with a clarinet or something and within days would be playing it fluently. Turned out he had really good keyboard skills and remember going with him to play the new at the time mogue synthesizer. We hung out a lot and even went back to Emmaus been to his house an met his parents. Great family so sorry for the loss always missed and wondered how he was doing. RIP my friend.

Chuck Rogal

April 8, 2018

Terry was a good friend of mine. He was the only kid I knew that had a music room in their house. He had drums in his blood. Like Kent I remember sleeping over at his house. We would fall asleep listening to the trains. Terry was also a really fine pitcher for the Optimist team. I remember some jitters going up against him.

RIP Terry!

Chuck

Kent Kemmerer

March 30, 2018

Cousin Terry, we'll never forget growing up together in Emmaus, PA. How we spent time playing with our Lionel Trains, sled riding and later playing our drums sets together. Visiting and exchanging gifts at our annual Kemmerer's Christmas Parties, held at our aunts and uncles houses. Or sleeping overnight at the house/music store on Main Street, playing hide and seek in the basement and sleeping on the porch outside. Finally graduating together from EHS in1972!
Even though we went our separate ways after high school, seeking our own careers which moved each of us around the country. We would still meet on occasion at our Kemmerer Christmas's. Updating each other on our life achievements, including marriage and children. But it wasn't until you stayed with us in South Carolina, that we could really take time to reflect on were our lives had taken us. Talking about our families growing up, discussing our working lives prior to retirement and all our health issues after retiring.
Only to find myself writing this on your Memorial Page so soon. I know we discussed all the above, but we'll miss your occasional phone calls and texts. It was great having you as a cousin, and I'll never forget you Terry! Our condolences to your whole family were ever they may be. May God be with you and Rest in Reace...

Colleen Krause straw

March 23, 2018

So sad to hear of Terry's passing. I had no idea that he accomplished so much since high school but it was a real joy to see how much he loved music. His accomplishments come as no surprise as we expected him to go far. He was a great band member and I send his family my prayers. Many fond memories.

William A Mayo

March 23, 2018

Please accept our Heartfelt Condolences to the Family.

William A Mayo

March 23, 2018

Heartfelt Condolences to the family.

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