Terry McFadden

Terry McFadden was freed from his earthly life on May 19, 2026 at OSU hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

He was born on May 12, 1949 in East Liverpool, Ohio and lived in Marysville, Ohio with his family until his dad changed jobs and relocated them to Grandview Heights, Ohio. He graduated from Grandview Heights High School in 1967 where he went on to attend Kent State University during the turbulent years of Viet Nam War protests.

He graduated from Kent State University in 1971 with a bachelor degree in Music Education. He was prepared to pursue a career as a high school band director when Uncle Sam had other plans. He joined the United States Air Force in 1971 and spent his time at Wright Patterson Air Force base in the Air Force Band. His commitment was fulfilled in 1973. Terry worked through a few jobs until he landed at Stanton’s Sheet Music where he finished out his career in 2017.

He was a passionate member of our church. He sang tenor in the choir and would often provide accompaniment with his horn or any kind of percussion when needed. He served in many positions in the church over the years including deacon, elder, interim choir director when we were between directors and lay leader.

Terry loved Ohio State football and basketball. We spent many evenings rushing from work to get to basketball games on time to cheer on the Buckeyes.

He loved supporting his daughters in Grandview’s choir and musicals. He even helped with the sets because of his love for art. Every Christmas, he would paint a seasonal picture on our front window.

Our greatest memories are our vacations at Lake Hope. Swimming with the fishies, feeding the hummingbirds, looking for frogs and hairy caterpillars, and taking long hikes.

A long life is filled with happy times, sad times, triumphs and mistakes. He loved his family, his church and cherished the happy memories and he always regretted his mistakes. I will always remember the loving, hopeful, sweet husband he was and ever will be.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carol McFadden, His daughter Christie McFadden Grady, son-in-law, Alex Grady, Daughter Sarah McFadden Merrill and son-in-law, Jake Merrill, His sisters Cheryl Dern and Brenda Butler and many nieces and nephews and beloved in-laws from the Schulz family and his friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ferne and Jim McFadden his brother, Jeff McFadden and his brothers-in-law, Russ Dern and Tom Wright.

A memorial service will be held at Boulevard Presbyterian Church with graveside burial after.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 1235 Northwest Boulevard, Grandview Heights, Ohio 43212.