Terry Edwin Young

Terry Edwin Young, a lifelong Iowan, passed peacefully at home on January 23, 2026, with his wife, Susi Smith-Young, by his side on his farm near Adair, Iowa. Terry was born on November 13, 1952, at Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, Iowa, to Thomas and Marjorie Downing-Young. Soon after, the family moved to Adair, where Terry would grow deep roots grounded in family, faith, and farming—values that shaped his life.

Terry graduated from Adair-Casey Junior/Senior High School in 1971. He went on to attend Northwest Missouri State University, where he earned a double major with a Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Business Management and Industrial Technology in 1974. Throughout his career, Terry served in leadership roles defined by integrity, vision, and steady guidance. His professional journey included serving as Director of Engineering at ConAgra and later as Vice President of Engineering at Dole, a position he held from 2010 until his retirement in 2016. His career spanned decades and reflected excellence in business management and industrial technology. In 1994, Terry and Susi opened their own staffing Service through TS Young Corporation, Annexus Personnel and Business Services, which became a trusted and well-known staple in Texas for 22 years. After returning to the family farm, Terry discovered a new passion for beekeeping and founded Ter-Bear Honey, a business that continues to thrive today.

A devoted Christian, Terry was a member and elder of the Adair First Presbyterian Church, living his faith with quiet strength and steadiness. A farmer in every sense of the word, he loved his family, the land, and his loyal four-legged companion, Jack. Known for his gentle humor, quiet nature, and generosity, Terry treated everyone like family. After the passing of his father, he returned home to care for his mother, Marjorie, and to tend the family farm continuing his lifelong pattern of responsibility and selfless care for others. Terry enjoyed a vibrant life filled with music, celebrations, drumming, boating adventures, tinkering with gadgets, bee keeping, selling honey, playing with Jack, and sharing time with friends and family at dinners and many other activities. He courageously battled cancer for more than 20 years without complaint, meeting each day with dignity, perseverance, and unwavering faith. Through his journey, he taught those around him how to live with grace and pride.

We take comfort in knowing Terry is now in Heaven—gathered around the table with Jesus and loved ones. And knowing Terry, we can only imagine there’s a pot of Iowa sweet corn close by.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Marjorie Young, and his brother, Scott Young.

Terry is survived by the love of his life, Pauletta “Susi” Young, together, they shared 33 years of adventure, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Their journey took them from Iowa to California and eventually to Texas, where they built a meaningful life and lasting friendships. No matter where he lived, Iowa was always home. We are grateful Terry found his way to Texas, and those who loved him there are honored to have shared in his life. Terry loved his family, spoke highly of his cousins, and was proud of the long-standing friendships.

A proud and devoted father, Terry is survived by his daughter, Tera Young Clark and her husband, Eddie, of Kansas, and his son, Johnny Smith and wife, Janet, of Texas. Hewas a loving grandfather to Bailey Lemmon, Chad Artesi, Todd White, Ashley Browning, Justin Smith, Jax Clark, and Rosie Clark, and a cherished great-grandfather to Eleanor, Bryce, Cole, Branden, Cayden, Payten, Brayden, and Gavin. And lastly, his beloved 4-legged best friend and companion, Jack. To Terry, family was family—no distinctions, no conditions, just love.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church in Adair followed by burial in the Sunnyhill Cemetery in Adair. A luncheon will be held following the committal in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Public visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Adair in memory of Terry. Memorials may be mailed to Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box - 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

Services are entrusted to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Adair.