Donald Terpening

Our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Donald Everett Terpening, North Carolina, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 13, 2025, after succumbing to a recent illness. He was 88 years old.

Born on June 11, 1936, in Jefferson County, Nebraska, he was the son of the late Laru Everett Terpening and Nellie Irene Terpening. The first born of three children, he was raised in Washington County, Kansas, in a one-room school where his mother taught. He is survived by his sister Doris Herrs, and preceded in death by his brother Wayne Terpening.

He was the patriach of our family. He and his wife, Margaret, raised two sons - Patrick Terpening (Kimberly) and Brian Terpening (Kim). Known as "Grandpa" to his grandchildren - Nicholas Terpening, Alanna Terpening, Christopher Terpening, Alma Sosnowski (Christopher) and Brianna Santos (Derek); great-grandchildren, Samantha, Carter, and Eli Sosnowski.

From the quiet fields of his childhood farm to the boundless skies he always dreamed of, Donald Everett Terpening lived a life marked by faith, service, and purpose.

Born with an early fascination for flight, he pursued that dream with determination. After graduating from the University of Kansas with a degree in Petroleum Engineering through the ROTC program, he served in the United States Air Force for seven years. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain, having fulfilled a lifelong ambition to fly and serve his country.

Following his military service, he transitioned to commercial aviation, piloting aircraft across the globe until his retirement. Yet even in retirement, he answered a higher calling. In the mid-1980s, he began missionary work, volunteering with JAARS and Wycliffe Bible Translators. His service took him to South and Central America and Africa, helping bring supplies, support, and Scripture to remote communities.

Beyond his remarkable service and career, Don found joy in life's quieter moments. He was a lifelong learner with an extensive personal library, often found reading and studying Scripture. He cherished time spent outdoors, whether hiking, exploring, or simply soaking in the beauty of nature. A passionate photographer, he captured the world through his lens with the same care and curiosity he brought to every part of life. Faith remained central to everything he did, and he devoted himself to deep, thoughtful Bible study throughout his life.

He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments in the air but for his humility, devotion, and unwavering commitment to serving both God and others.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 16 at 11:00am at The Shepherd's Church, 6051 Tryon Road, Cary, NC 27518. A time of visitation with the family will be held from 10:00-11:00 am prior to the service. The burial will be held on Thursday, May 22 at 2:00pm at Eastern Carolina State Cemetery, 164 Longs Plant Farm Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

He often closed conversations and writings with these words: "Stay in the Word."

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Grace School of Theology's Michael S. Reed Memorial Scholarship at www.gsot.edu/donate.