Terry W. French

Terry Wayne French, 80 of Gaylord, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2019 at McReynolds Hall.

Born in Logan Township, PA on April 13, 1939, he was the son of Clyde and Emily ‘Mae’ (Stoner) French.  Terry grew up in Lakemont, PA and graduated from Hollidaysburg High School. An Eagle Scout, and strong swimmer, he enjoyed working as a lifeguard at the Lakemont Amusement Park community pool.

Terry began his career in telecommunications as a lineman with Henkels & McCoy, later joining General Telephone and Electronics Corporation (GTE).

His work took him to Alma, Michigan where he met his future wife, Faith Emlinger who also worked for the telephone company. They were married in Alma on November 12, 1960, with her grandfather, a local pastor, officiating over the ceremony.

Terry’s work took him from Alma to Grand Ledge, then Owosso and finally to Gaylord in 1984 where he retired from GTE as a regional construction supervisor. After retiring, Terry enjoyed working part time at Lappen’s Inc., which fit perfectly with his love of the outdoors and working with his hands.

He was an active member of Gaylord First United Methodist Church where he volunteered his time tending to the church’s memorial gardens. He also enjoyed archery hunting, fishing and camping with family and friends.

He is survived by Faith, his wife of almost 59 years; his children, Brett French of Ishpeming, Darcy (Gary) Leyder of Howell, Derek (Diana) French of Pinckney and Heidi (Jason) Iseler of Traverse City; grandchildren, Zachary, Gabrielle, Brian, Nicholas, Jordan, Victor, Wyatt and Maxwell; a sister-in-law, Rebecca Roberts; a brother-in-law, Kirk Emlinger and many nieces and nephews.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Merlin and Vivian Emlinger; a sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Jack Dodson; a brother-in law, Larry Roberts; a brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Merlene Black; and, a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Emlinger.

Terry will be remembered for his dry sense of humor and genuine concern for his fellow man. A memorial service will be held at 12:30 PM Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Gaylord First United Methodist Church where the family will visit with friends beginning at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will be served at the Church at the conclusion of the memorial service in celebration of Terry’s life.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Otsego County Commission on Aging, the First United Methodist Church of Gaylord Memorial Garden or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com