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Darnell Terry Obituary

Darnell W.M. Terry SCHERERVILLE, IN-Darnell W.M. Terry, age 53, of Schererville, IN, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 31, 2017. Beloved husband of Wanda R. Terry, nee Postell. Dear father of: Irlivia (George) Boateng and Aaron Terry. Proud grandfather of Kenton. Loving brother of Joyce Vaughn. Preceded in death by his parents Oliver and Irliver Terry, and by his sisters: Dorothy Marble and Diane Mahone. Visitation Sunday, January 7, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. at Crossroads Community Church 1538 Janice Dr. Schererville, IN with Rev. Drew Brown officiating. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery - Elwood, IL. Darnell was a United States Army Veteran and an engineer for Amtrak. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to SMITS-FUNERAL HOME - Dyer, IN. For further information please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at: www.SMITSFH.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times on Jan. 6, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Darnell Terry

Not sure what to say?





Rachelle Ruffin

December 31, 2024

On the anniversary of DT's passing, I send my love and prayers to his family. I truly miss my dear friend. God Bless ♥

John Doe

April 16, 2022

I miss you. I never got over your passing. I never even learned to cope with it. I've been struggling through a lot of stuff. I wish I could talk to you again.

K Jones

January 19, 2018

I had the honor of being able to befriend this wonderful human being as he stayed in the hospital. He taught me a lot in our short friendship but he will never be forgotten snd will always hold a dear spot in my heart. He was an angel here on earth and will be missed immensley.

Adam Williams

January 15, 2018

A few years back during block training I was able to enjoy time with DT during lunch in the break room. It was a memorable time and DT's words were inspiring and uplifting. He was so kind and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May God bless his family and comfort them.

January 8, 2018

Rest In Peace, my friend. Our time together was short, but as God would have it, the the time was blessed. Your positive outlook to youth will live on, as well as your positive work ethic is an example to all, including my grandson. (A future Amtrak employee hopeful) As busy as you were at the end of your trips, you always took time for my questions, and I will be forever thankful for your advice. May God continue to bless your family. Al Koole, Brandon Koole Grand Rapids, Michigan

Terry Hunt

January 8, 2018

I first met Darnell at the Huckleberry Railroad in Flint, MI. I was a working as locomotive engineer and fireman. I taught Darnell how to fire a steam locomotive. Darnell and I also had a connection through music. I am a saxophone player and at the time I first met Darnell, I was a band director. In 1994 I went to work for the Grand Trunk Western Railroad. Darnell and my paths seemed to separate. In 1998, I went into management as Road Foreman of Engines in Battle Creek. My partner mentioned one day that Darnell Terry said hi. I asked him how he knew Darnell. He replied he rode with him the previous day from Lansing back to Battle Creek. He said he was the engineer on The Blue Water Limited. A few weeks later I was in Durand, MI and needed a ride back to Battle Creek. I knew it was Darnell's leg that day. I surprised him to no end when I called on the radio: " GTW Road Foreman Hunt to Amtrak engineer Terry, over?" His response was of course "over". "I am gong to ride with you back to Battle Creek." He said welcome aboard. When I got to the engine and he opened the door, I was greeted by that big bright smile of his. I rode with a him few more times after that and again our ways parted. I finally caught up with him but a couple of months ago. I was with great shock and sadness when I read of his death. One of my great Darnell memories was the time we saw Ray Charles at the Genesee County Fair. The rock band at the beer tent started up and Ray asked what that noise was. Somebody shouted its the rock band at the beer tent. Ray responded that ain't no rock band and I know what rock bands sound like. We both got a good laugh out of that. Prayers to his family. He was a great man.

Gwendolyn Bailey Hudson

January 8, 2018

My deepest condolences to the family of Darnell Terry (DT). I'm the mother of one of his friends Stan I met DT at a tailor suit fitting which he walked in Dressed to the nines and the most gracious gentleman ever his God fearing spirit revealed after he greeted me as his friends mom with all due respect but a friendiness that was so welcoming. This young man was a pleasure to have met and will truly be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. Darnell Heaven awaits you show them what a well dressed man look like. Rest In Paradise
To the family I pray God blesses you with Comfort Peace and Strength during this very sad time continue to lean on The Lord for Strength.

Ronda Schmalz

January 7, 2018

I was given the privilege to know this wonderful man for only a short time. From the moment I met him, it was clear to me, that he was filled with the Holy Spirit! His warm smile and kind words left me looking forward to his next appointment with us! My heartfelt condolences to Darnell's family and friends! May you feel the comfort of our loving Father. Until our next appointment...

Gary Israelson

January 7, 2018

DT was a great guy, I enjoyed working with him when he did Special Duty in the Terminal for me. We had some quality time together and got to know each other well. We will miss you partner.

David Satchell

January 7, 2018

You will be missed DT, you had a positive influence on all. Rest in peace my friend.

mike vance

January 6, 2018

My prayers to the Terry family. Darnell ran track for me at Flint Central High School. He was one of my favorite people. Great competitor and finer person. Smile just like Marty Embry said,it was BIG! I will miss him dearly. May he rest in peace with the Lord. Coach Mike Vance

David Pryor

January 6, 2018

You will be missed my friend. Your positive energy was infectious and your friendship touched a lot of lives.

Anita (Reaves) Randall

January 6, 2018

When I first met Darnell, I knew he was special because he had won the heart of my oldest & dearest friend. Decades later, I learned that Darnell was a devoted husband, supportive father, proud grandfather, loyal friend and God-fearing man. My heart aches for everyone who loves him, but especially for my friend Wanda who vowed to love, honor & cherish him, for their children Aaron & Libby who've loved him their entire lives, and for Kenton who'll grow up without his grandfather. May God continue to watch over all of you and guide you through this difficult time.

Tony Mifsud

January 5, 2018

My prayers and thoughts go out to the Darnell Terry Family. The Eastern Michigan University Track & Field Family will miss you dearly. May you Rest In Peace in heaven.
Godspeed

Richard Lent

January 5, 2018

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Terry family. Darnell was a very kind and generous person.

Darnel Jones

January 5, 2018

To a great dude may he Rest In Peace, this man ain't know nothing about me as a person, but took the time out to show me how and what to do to survive my career and excel at it, I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to meet a real dude, one of the best have left us, and I give my condolences to his family!

Marty Embry

January 5, 2018

To the Terry family,
I wanted to send my deepest condolences to you all. I was floored to hear the news that Darnell passed. Floored isn't strong enough, to say the least.

I've not seen Darnell in years, but I can tell from the messages that he was still the same person that I knew in high school. I was always welcomed with that big ole Koolade smile. I only wished that I could have made it to his home going service.

I read every message with a smile, until I realized that I had drop tears, smiling at the fact that he became who he was destined to become.

Darnell was one of my teammates in high school and one of the nicest guys that you could meet. Yea, he "tried" to play basketball. I'm kidding, but that was an inside joke that we'd say to each other before practice.

I wish that we hadn't lost touch all of those years ago because he really was considered a good friend. As the messages stated so eloquently, Darnell was a good friend to all that he came into contact with. That makes my heart smile. After an introduction, you couldn't help but like him...no, you couldn't help but to love him. It's wasn't possible to be around him and not smile!

To the family, may you all be enveloped with God's love and mercy as you heal from the passing of your husband, father, grandfather, cousin and uncle. Thank you all for taking care of him for God. Well done. Well done.

Andrea Simmons

January 5, 2018

My prayers are with Darnell and his family. He truly was a beautiful person. He will be missed. Blessings always.....

Karen Ali

January 4, 2018

Kind And Personable Individual DT Was. He Used To Visit My Daughter's High School Often, Homewood-Flossmoor High School, To Speak And Teach About Safety As It Relates To Railroad Crossings. My Daughter Would Say To Me, Mr. DT Is Such A Nice Man. He Would Say, I Know Your Mom And Dad, And She Would Just Smile And Thank Him For His Visit, And Sharing What He Knows. RIP DT!

W.BabyRuth

January 4, 2018

My heart is heavy but I can take comfort knowing that our brother, friend, mentor has returned home to heaven. He was never ashamed of his love for God. When I would see him in his sport coat getting on the engine I would tease him and say he's about to go preach the heaven bound special and we would share the laugh. My prayers to the family and friends through this difficult time..... this hit right in the gut. Love to you all and be safe.

Corell Sampson

January 4, 2018

To the family he was the best may God give u the strength through these sad times joy will come in the morning

Corell Sampson

January 4, 2018

To the family he was the best may God give u the strength through these sad times joy will come in the morning

Chinese Bradley

January 4, 2018

My condolences to the family. My prayers are with you for the strength needed for such a difficult time. Darnell was very well respected and liked here at Amtrak. God Bless!

Rick Riddering

January 4, 2018

My sincere condolences to the Terry family. For more than 10 years now, DT and I attended Men's Fraternity, a Saturday morning men's Bible study, at Crossroads Church. I know I speak for all my brothers from that group when I say that there will be a huge void now without DT in attendance. He was a great encourager, a coach, a leader. He loved his family and was a lover of mankind. But most of all he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! And so, we know wholeheartedly that DT is in heaven now and he has received his crown. He's heard the Lord speak these words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and he's resting peacefully in the arms of Jesus. So, as our hearts are heavy because of our great loss, I encourage each of us to mourn well. But don't stay in a state of mourning. Instead, celebrate the life that DT shared with us! Remember his smiles, his hugs, his words, his laughter! And to honor DT, pass those same things along to another person today . . . a smile, a hug, a kind word, laughter. They're all gifts that we should give away to others daily, like DT did. Think about how much better our world would be if we just did those simple but meaningful things. Blessings and peace to the Terry family, DT's Amtrak family, and all of his many friends.

Y Parker

January 4, 2018

To Darnell's Family
Darnell touch so many during his short time here. He will truly be missed. Take comfort in knowing others care about you and are praying for you during this time. May God continue to comfort you all.

Possum John

January 4, 2018

Darnell, or as I've always called him "DT" was my friend! And I'm proud to call him that! Had no idea he was sick, retired a year ago and don't hear much of what's going on! My condolences go out to the family! He will truly be missed by one and all!

Lavette Davis

January 4, 2018

My condolences to the Terry family. I'm deeply saddened to hear of his passing. They say that God only takes the best and yes he was the best. I worked with Darnell at Amtrak. He was such a nice person. He will be missed.

Linda Sereda

January 3, 2018

To Darnell's Family: I will miss D.T. very much, and I am so sorry for your devastating loss. I worked with him in the Amtrak Transportation Department in the Chicago Yard. He never walked into our office without that beautiful smile on his face. We talked and laughed about everything and everyone. He always made my day. He was kind, considerate, helpful and respectful to everyone, and a true gentleman, as well. Even though I've been retired for three years, D.T. called me every year on my birthday, July 17th. When we talked last July, he sounded so upbeat and positive even though he was going through so much. I will always remember that last conversation with him. I will never forget D.T. and will miss my yearly birthday calls. My deepest sympathy to the lovely family of Darnell's. Rest in peace, Dear Friend, until we meet again.

Maxine Reaves

January 3, 2018

Words inadequately convey the depth of my feelings in regards to your loss. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ron and Elizabeth Allen

January 3, 2018

Ron and I attended church with him. We so enjoyed talking with him. He was on fire for God and his zeal for God brought Glory to God. He was a very kind man. We will miss him. He was very involved in men's fraternity.

Dale Stainer

January 3, 2018

May you RIP.

Jennifer and Larry Clayton

January 3, 2018

To the Terry family: Prayers are with you and our hearts are heavy as you prepare for the home going celebration of Darnell. We will continue to pray for you and the family.

Rachelle Ruffin

January 3, 2018

I have a voicemail message that Darnell left me Nov. 4th. I will keep it forever and listen to it for strength. He said "Don't worry about me, I am fine." So, I am going to make sure that I remind myself each time I get sad, that HE IS FINE!! He is with his sister's and I know they welcomed their baby brother with open arms. God broke the mold when made Darnell and I send my heart felt love, condolences to the family.

Dave Allenson

January 3, 2018

I worked with D.T. as a fellow engineer at Amtrak. We spent many hours together while running the train between Chicago and Grand Rapids. D.T. was a kind, thoughtful man of faith. I feel blessed to have known him. My family and I wish his family peace during this sad time.

Bridgette Russell

January 3, 2018

To the family of a very very kind and respectable man, I will hope that you look to Jesus for your every need he is our comforter.

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