Terry Elvin Chipman

Terry Elvin Chipman, of Palmyra, Missouri, passed away surrounded by his family on October 3, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on his family's farm in Durham, Missouri, Terry was the son of Clarence and Leoma Chipman. He attended Durham Grade School and graduated from Ewing Lewis County R-4 High School in 1959, where he was honored with the American Legion Certificate of School Award for his qualities of honor, courage, scholarship, leadership, and service. After high school, Terry worked at Sheaffer Pens and Motorola before joining the United States Army in 1963. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and served for eighteen months in Munich, Germany. He continued his service in the Army National Reserve for two years following active duty. Terry tells the story that it was during his journey to Munich, Germany, on a ship in the middle of the ocean, he realized he was falling in love with Barbara (Meyers) Chipman. Upon returning home, Terry and Barbara were married in Ursa, Illinois, on September 3, 1966. Together, they built a life in a beautiful wooded area near Maywood, Missouri, before moving to Palmyra in their later years. Terry was a dedicated worker, spending most of his career as a production worker and retiring in 2006 from Manchester Tank in Quincy, Illinois. He also furthered his education in his adult years and received a certification for drafting from Quincy Vocational Technical Center. In his retirement, he worked in the maintenance department for Marion County Courthouse. A man of faith, Terry was a founding member and Elder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lewistown, Missouri. He was deeply involved in the church's outreach to local nursing homes, sharing his beautiful singing voice and talent for playing piano by ear. Terry was often requested to sing "Oh Holy Night!" at Christmastime and "Oh What A Savior," his personal favorite. Known for his kind heart and sense of humor, Terry cherished time with family and friends. He enjoyed cooking, baking (especially his homemade dinner rolls), gardening, fishing, singing, playing piano, and traveling. One of his fondest memories was returning to Munich, Germany, eight years ago with Barbara and his daughter, Michelle. It was always his dream to revisit the area and share his experiences with them. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Leoma; brothers Vearl, Hobart, and Larry Chipman; sisters Elvesa Williamson and Hazel Chipman. Remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Barbara; daughter, Michelle (Steve) Hunkins; sister, Doris Jean Garkie; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, Missouri, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. and a graveside service with full Military Honors performed by Boots-Dickson Post #174 of the American Legion will follow at Durham Cemetery in Durham, MO. Memorial donations may be made to the Lewistown Seventh-day Adventist Church or the Palmyra Food Pantry. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Terry, please visit our Tree Store.