Terry’s life began on July 31, 1945, in Dowagiac, the son of Earl Wayne and Leta (Lawrence) Gard. He graduated from Mattawan High School in 1963. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy.

He was united in marriage to Juanita Gail Simpson on July 4, 1992, in South Bend, Ind. Terry retired from Midland Engineering after 36 years of dedication as a sheet metal worker.

Some of his designs included a beautiful lighthouse and a cross that was blessed by Pope John Paul II in Rome, Italy.

Terry, 64, of South Bend, was not happy being idle after his retirement. He worked as an electrician, a farmer and a truck driver. Throughout his life Terry enjoyed spending as much time as he could at the lake. He enjoyed fishing and as a lifeguard he saved three people from drowning.

Terry’s loving family includes: his wife, Juanita Gard of South Bend; his mother, Leta Gard of South Bend; his children, Robert Wayne Gard of Wisconsin, Lynne Jeanette (Scott Hanson) Holley of South Bend and LeighAnne Michelle (Justin) Ault of South Bend; his siblings, Phyllis Johnson of Ocala, Fla., Vickie (Bill) Schuur of Dowagiac, Debbie McCuddy of Dowagiac, Rex Gard of South Bend and Earl Gard of Illinois; and his grandchildren, Alexis, Madison, and Jackson. Terry passed away on May 7, 2010, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. He was preceded in death by his father Earl Wayne Gard, his sister Linda Sheehan and his brother Jerry Gard. His family will gather with friends on Monday, May 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where his funeral services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m.

He will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac. Memorial contributions may be directed to American Cancer Society. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Terry at www.yazel-clark.com.