Howard "Doc" F. Terrill

Howard "Doc" F. Terrill, a dedicated and respected veterinarian, family man, and community leader, passed away peacefully at his home in North Manchester, Indiana, on December 25, 2024, at the age of 91. Born on March 16, 1933, in Ridgeway, Ohio, to Harvey C. and Ruth I. (Bayliss) Terrill, Doc’s journey through life began with a profound love for animals, nurtured from an early age while working on his family's farm.

Doc's educational journey led him to Ohio State University, where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree following high school. His professional achievements were remarkable, but they paled in comparison to the pride he felt in his family. While at Ohio State University, Doc was a member of Alpha Zeta. It was through the fraternity that Doc was introduced to Rebecca “Becky” McKinney. Doc married Becky on October 12, 1957, and together they built a loving home that included three sons: Brett, Gregg, and Kent. Throughout their sixty-seven years together, Doc and Becky exemplified the values of love, hospitality, and devotion to faith.

In 1958, Doc and his beloved wife, Becky, moved to North Manchester, where he began his professional career in veterinary medicine. He worked for a local veterinary practice before opening his own in 1960, providing care for large and small pets and livestock. After an illustrious sixty-one-year career, Doc retired in 2019, leaving behind a legacy marked by respect and dignity. His steadfast commitment to his profession was evident through his membership in various esteemed organizations, including the American Veterinary Association, Indiana Veterinary Association, Limousin Cattle Association, and participation in the SPF testing group for swine.

A deeply faithful man, Doc actively lived out his beliefs in the Lord. Their mornings were typically spent studying the Bible at their kitchen table, a routine that underscored their dedication to their faith. Doc contributed to his church community by teaching Bible studies at North Manchester Missionary Church, where he was a long-standing member and served on the Elder Board. His commitment extended to the local education system, where he was a member and former President of the Manchester Community School Board, reflecting his enduring care for the youth and future of his community.

Doc’s proudest accomplishments centered around his family. He took immense joy in sharing his Christian faith with his children and grandchildren, imparting lessons rooted in love and devotion to the Lord. His nurturing spirit and kindness will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

For fun Doc enjoyed his Sawfish Catamaran sailboat and years of motor boating, where he relished his time water skiing with friends and family. He often said he retired when he bought Buckeye Hill Farm, where he enjoyed years of building a purebred Limousin Herd and spent countless hours mentoring his children and grandchildren with 4H livestock projects. In later years, Doc and his wife Becky shared a passion for raising mules, Pas Fino, and Tennessee Walking Horses. Together, they embraced the joy of working with these magnificent animals, further intertwining their lives with the natural world around them. He co-owned and operated a sixty-head dairy herd with his sons, often volunteering for the early morning milkings, a routine that he approached with enthusiasm, echoing his belief that he never worked a day in his life because he truly enjoyed everything he engaged in.

The loving memory of Howard “Doc” Terrill will be forever cherished by his wife, Rebecca “Becky” Terrill, North Manchester; sons, Brett (Diann) Terrill, Gallup, New Mexico, Gregg (Sandra) Terrill, Claypool, and Kent (Janet) Terrill, North Manchester; brother, Dean (Linda) Terrill, Ridgeway, Ohio; sisters, Jane (Al) Damschroder, Petoskey, Michigan and Janet (Dick) Jones, Kenton, Ohio; sister-in-law, Eleanor Terrill; nine grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren. Doc was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Richard H. Terrill.

A celebration of Doc’s life will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the North Manchester Missionary Church, 806 State Road 114 East, North Manchester, Indiana. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the North Manchester Missionary Church, 806 State Road 114 East, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.

The family of Howard “Doc” Terrill has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.