Terry Jon Doerr of Louisville, KY passed away on December 21, 2025, after a lengthy illness. Terry was born in Wichita, KS to George H. and Greta F. (Arbuckle) Doerr on January 12, 1946. His mother passed away when he was young. His father met Betty L. McLain who was a nurse at Wesley Hospital. They married in September 1950. The family lived in Wichita until 1956 when they purchased the Tip Top Motel and moved to Eureka.
Terry attended local schools and graduated from Eureka High School with the class of 1964. He was united in marriage to Marcella (Marcie) Tippie in the fall of 1964. In May of 1965, their son, Jon Linden, was born. In November of 1967, son James Craig was born. Sadly, James passed away the following day. This marriage later ended in divorce. Following his graduation, he worked various jobs in Eureka and Wichita. By 1968, Terry was drafted into the U.S. Army. His education and training were in air traffic control and radar operations. Throughout his tour of service, Terry was stationed at many locations in the United States and in Germany. While stationed in Biloxi, MS, he met Beverly (Bev) Giessinger and they married on February 3,1969. In February of 1971, their son Christopher Jon was born.
After Terry’s honorable discharge he moved to New Orleans, LA with his family until he was able to start the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Once he graduated, they moved to Memphis for a couple of years where he worked in the FAA Memphis Air Route Traffic Control Center. While working at the Memphis Center he worked in a specialized sector using radar and communications systems to manage flight traffic in different altitude zones. From Memphis they moved down to Brandon, MS where he worked at the Jackson International Airport. Terry left the radar center and switched to flight and weather briefing when he started working at the Jackson airport. This position is where he thrived and what he had a passion for. It let him meet the pilots in person and create a personal connection. Some of his best traits were his people skills. He was always looking for a way to provide more for his family. While living in Mississippi and working as an Air Traffic Controller, he and Bev bought a women’s clothing store and they opened the first one-hour photo shop in Mississippi. In 1988 the FAA transferred him to Louisville, KY where he would work at Bowman Field. Moving to Louisville is where his love for ponies and Churchill Downs all started.
He absolutely loved “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports!”
After thirty years of dedicated service with the FAA, Terry retired and moved to Eureka to be closer to family and friends. Terry’s charisma and willingness to improve his community earned him the title of Mayor of Eureka. Terry proudly held this position until his declining health took him back to Kentucky to be closer to his son.
Terry loved traveling, his suitcase was always packed and ready to go. But what he enjoyed the most was spending time with family and friends. He always had a joke, a one liner, or a tall tale to tell. He never met a stranger and if he did, they became friends within seconds.
Terry loved the ponies and at one time while living in Louisville he bought into a horse owner syndicate. Churchill Downs was one of his favorite places to visit and he looked forward to the Kentucky Derby every year. He would be proud to know that horse racing is making a much-anticipated return to Eureka.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George, Greta and Betty and his son, James. He is survived by sons, Jon Potter of Washington State and Christopher Doerr (Susan) of Louisville, KY. Ex-wife and dear friend, Beverly Doerr. Sisters Luann Weatherbee and Linda Cook (Jerry) both of Eureka. Grandchildren, Anderson Doerr, Jacob Potter (Kayla), Danielle Elliott (Ben) and several great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.
Terry will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. He leaves behind a legacy of family, love, devotion and a life well lived.
Graveside services are set for 1 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Greenwood Cemetery, in Eureka. A celebration of life will be held following graveside services at Greenwood Hotel from 2-4:30 p.m.
