Terry Dale Piatt

Terry Dale Piatt, age 88, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Thursday, September 25, 2025 at his home surrounded by loved ones.

Terry was born on June 8, 1937 in Moulton, Iowa, the son of Edwin and Eva (Swarts) Piatt. He was always a hard worker. He started earning money picking and selling pickles in Dean, Iowa every morning before walking uphill to school. He earned enough money to buy himself a brand-new car. He learned a lot of his carpentry skills helping his dad, and his mother gave him his love for reading. He would read and consume anything he could get his hands on, but his favorites were history and non-fiction. In middle school, he went to live and work with his oldest sister, Shirley on her dairy farm. He graduated high school at Moulton, Iowa in 1955.

Terry was drafted into the military on May 6, 1957 and spent his time in Germany "when Elvis Presley was there." Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, he worked at the Iowa Southern power plant. He left there to return to his love of farming, with his brother-in-law, Bob Singley and nephew, Rob Singley. Together they raised swine, cattle and cultivated field crops.

Terry found the love of his life, Judith Kay Meeker and married her on September "twenty-tooth" 1985. To this marriage, he gained two daughters, Amy (Roy) Love of Kirksville, Mo and Emily (Kevin Harrell) Daugherty of New Sharron, Iowa.

Pa, as he was lovingly called, adored his grandchildren; Myles (Rachel) Foglesong, Renee (Colton) Snyder, Beth Foglesong, Grace (Cody) Cregeen and Jaxon Love "the quiet one". He was also extra blessed with great grandchildren, Sam Snyder, Riley Snyder, Kasey Snyder, and baby Cregeen (who he teased should be named after him). Terry is survived by his "beautiful wife"; sisters, Connie White and Donna Young; his brother, Larry (Cheryl) Piatt; and longtime friends and traveling companions, Tom and Diane Bogle. He is known as Uncle Terry to many nieces and nephews.

His upbringing, thirst for knowledge and creative mind made him multi-talented. He saw the potential and polished beauty when looking at something in its raw and rough form. He looked at problems as puzzles and was able to fabricate solutions. Because of this mindset, he did beautiful carpentry and woodworking. He was always finding something new to try rather that be redoing a house, a sail boat, bee keeping or learning the guitar and banjo. He loved to travel, watch his birds and spend time outside or at a good meal with his family telling stories and imparting wisdom especially to the grandkids.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his favorite mother-in-law, Fern Meeker; sisters, Sharon Harris, Dorla Horn, and Shirley (Bob) Singley; a dear nephew, Rob Singley; and brother-in-law, Jerry White.

Pa was known for his quick wit, willingness and ability to visit with anyone. He was sincere in his action and words. He lived his life in service to others, always there to help out and lend a hand. He was a humble man who avoided the spotlight or the acclamations of others. His faithfulness and dedication to family shown in all he did. He always put others ahead of himself with patience, understanding and an even temperament which made him the best husband, parent, role model and grandfather.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 6:00PM, Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. Visitation will take place at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville, with the family greeting friends from 4:00PM-6:00PM. Memorials have been established to either Hospice of Northeast or Judy Piatt for a memorial at a later date, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Piatt Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.