Terrence L. Bigham

Terrence L. Bigham (aka Terry, T, Papa Terry, Dad), 81, died Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, at his home in Macomb, following complications from COPD/pneumonia, with family by his side. Terry was born in Rushville, Illinois on Dec. 17, 1942 to William and Marian Bigham. He first married Gearline Campbell in 1967. They later divorced. On Sept. 26, 1986, he married Lois (Cole) Shinberger of Macomb. A 1960 graduate of Rushville High School, Terry joined the United States Coast Guard following graduation, proudly serving for four years. A highlight of his military career was marching in John F. Kennedy's inaugural parade. After returning home from service, he went to work for Caterpillar Tractor in East Peoria from 1964 until his retirement in 1994. Even after retiring from Caterpillar after 30 years of driving to East Peoria, he hopped back behind the wheel, this time driving the Red Cross van for 10 years. If Terry wasn't home, you'd most likely find him at Gold Hills and other area golf courses, and he had the proud distinction of three holes-in-one on Hole #3 at Gold Hills. He and Lois also loved traveling,and made it to 49 of the 50 states during their adventures (and his favorite vacation spot was anywhere there was a golf course!). They also made their way to Gulf Shores during the winter months for several years. Terry was an active member of several military and social organizations for many years, including the 40/8 General's Club, 40/8 Blue Chavaliers Life Member, VFW Post Auxiliary #1921 Life Member, American Legion Post #4 (59 years), the Voiture #1100 Schuyler County (40/8) (52 years), Macomb Elks Lodge #1009 (37 years) and the AmVets of Knoxville. Terry was also proud to serve as a member of the VFW #1921/American Legion Post #6 Honor Guard. One of his proudest moments was being a part of the Oct. 13, 2022 Great River Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., accompanied by his son, Steve. He attended Wesley United Methodist Church in Macomb. He was a quiet unassuming man, who liked a few of life's simple pleasures: a good book, a home-cooked meal and a nutty bar. If the Cardinals, Illini basketball or golf was on, he was happy (and, of course, Wheel). He was always glad to see his children, grandchildren, siblings and friends. While Terry was a man of few words, when he did chime in, you'd catch a zippy one liner now and again. While the last few months were difficult as he battled pneumonia and dealing with frequent hospital stays, he remained the kind, easygoing man that he always was, even to the very end. Terry is survived by his wife, Lois; five children, Steve Bigham; Cindy (Buzz) Fleetwood; Bobby (Penny) Campbell; Bryan (Darcie) Shinberger; and Diana (Guy) Cale; 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Barbara (Benny) Rittenhouse and Bette Workman, and two brothers, Bob (Merilea) Bigham and Tom (Cyndi) Bigham. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one son, James. As he joked before his passing, he was going to check that last box on his bucket list: an appointment with DPW (Dodsworth Piper Wallen). While his family and friends miss him terribly and our lives will have a void, we know he's at peace. And we're sure he'll be watching over us and enjoying a round of golf, complete with eternal holes in one, with those who went before him, watching his beloved Cardinals, drinking a cold beverage, and having his favorite meal: a Korn Top-Korn Top Ham. Cremation rights have been accorded. A celebration of life is planned for late September (time, date and location TBD). Donations can be made to American Legion Post #6/VFW Post #1921 Honor Guard, MDH Hospice or the 40/8 Nurse's Training. Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign guestbook or leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Terrence, please visit our Tree Store.