Terry Dale Rohr

If there’s one thing Terry Rohr knew how to do, it was live life at full throttle—whether that meant soaring through the skies, tearing up the roads on his motorcycle, or taking on yet another competitive game. Born in Ness City, Kansas, on August 8, 1950, to Melvin and Nancy Joann (Delaney) Rohr, Terry grew up with a sense of adventure and a determination that would carry him across the world.

Terry’s love for adventure led him to Kansas State University, where he joined ROTC before beginning a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he piloted in the legendary 89th Squadron, the same one that flew Air Force One, rubbing elbows with the world’s most powerful people while doing what he loved most.

Even after hanging up his official Air Force wings, Terry couldn’t quite keep his feet on the ground. He continued flying with Atlas Air, trained the next generation of pilots at the Air Force Academy, and volunteered with the Civil Air Patrol. With 77 countries stamped into his passport and addresses across Kansas, Texas, California, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Colorado, Terry made the world his runway.

But Terry wasn’t just about flying, he was about living. And boy, did he live. He was the kind of guy who could be found riding his motorcycle one day, competing in a bowling or pool league the next, and squeezing in a round of pickleball, golf, bicycling, trap shooting, hunting, or poker in between. If it involved competition, camaraderie, or a little bit of horsepower (classic cars included), Terry was all in. He was competitive, yes, but he never let that get in the way of helping others succeed. He had a way of turning rivals into friends and challenges into stories worth telling.

On January 30, 2025, Terry took his final flight, leaving behind a legacy of adventure, laughter, and stories that will be told for years to come. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, leaving behind a legacy that stretches across generations and time zones. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Rohr; his first wife and mother of his children, Lynnette (Ruff) Rohr; his second wife, Jane (Cochran) Rohr; his children—Jason Rohr (Beth Barrington), Robynn Powers (Steve), and Rachel Hedgepeth (Ernest); and his brother, Robert Michael Rohr (Carol). His grandkids—Brittany, Bishop, Gavin, Kylie, Keyton, Konnor, Kiersten, Owen, and Emmett—will forever carry his adventurous spirit forward, and his great-grandson, Enzo Upton, already has some big boots (or perhaps, flight suits) to fill.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Nancy Joann Rohr, who no doubt welcomed him home with open arms and a good laugh about the wild ride he had on Earth.

Terry’s life was a masterclass in living fully, loving fiercely, and never missing an opportunity for a little fun. So, next time you hear the roar of a plane overhead, picture Terry at the controls, grinning ear to ear, flying through the clouds with the same joy and freedom he carried throughout his incredible life.

A service of interment will take place on April 12, 2025, at Sacred Heart Cemetery at 11 AM, Ness City, Kansas, where Terry will take his final rest.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Colorado Springs-Cadet Squadron-Wolf Pack, a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to flying, mentoring, and lifting others higher. Donations can be sent to Military Personnel Flight, 350 S Peterson Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80914.