Terry Allen Hinkle, age 70, passed away at his home on Monday, January 19, 2026, following a short but courageous battle with cancer. Terry was born on March 13, 1955, in Iaeger, West Virginia, to Hubert and Janet Hinkle. He was the eldest of five children, a role he embraced throughout his life. A 1973 graduate of Fremont Ross High School, Terry went on to build a life centered around his family. On November 28, 1975, he married the love of his life, Teresa Ann Lotycz, at St. Casimir’s Parish in Fremont, Ohio. Together they shared a devoted marriage and raised three children.
Following an honorable discharge from the Navy, Terry entered the workforce and was employed at Ford, Chemi-trol and retired from Materion. Terry had a lifelong love of sports, especially playing golf and watching football. He was a devoted Michigan fan and truly enjoyed bantering back and forth with those who love the Buckeyes. In his younger years, he rarely missed his children’s activities and sporting events, always there to cheer them on. As the years went by, that dedication only grew, and he could most often be found in the stands supporting his grandchildren. Terry believed in arriving early to every game to claim the best seat in the house, proudly and loudly supporting those he loved.
He was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a proud grandpa. He was known for saying exactly what was on his mind, sometimes without a filter, but always with a full heart and unwavering passion. While Terry didn’t always have perfect tact or say the most politically correct thing, no one ever questioned his passion or the deep love he held for his family. His presence, loyalty, and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his mother, Janet Duncan; his wife, Teresa Hinkle; his children, Nicole Smith (Craig), Jamie Shumaker (Craig) and Aaron Hinkle; his grandchildren, Hunter Smith, Connor Smith, Grant Smith, Brooklyn Smith, Lexi Shumaker, Luke Shumaker, and Kennadi Legg; and his siblings, Brenda Higgins, Rick Hinkle (Jackie), Jerry Hinkle, and Scott Hinkle (Andrika). He was preceded in death by his father Hubert Hinkle his beloved parents-in-law, John “Chub” Lotycz and Catherine “Kitty” Lotycz, and Brother-in-law Bill Higgins.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Grace Community Church 900 Smith Rd. Fremont, OH 43420. Family and Friends are invited to gather from 10-11:00am, a formal presentation will be held at 11am with a meal being served at 12pm.
The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for the concern and deep care they showed to Terry and his family in his final weeks, Freck Funeral Chapel (Oregon, Ohio) for providing cremation services, to Mark and Marsha Ross, to the numerous friends/family/loved ones who stopped by and provided support over the last few weeks, and to Grace Community Church (Fremont, Ohio) for hosting the Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Terry’s memory to Grace Community Church.
1155 South Wynn Road, Oregon, OH 43616

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