Terry L. Acord, 64, of Brooklyn, Iowa, died on May 2, 2026, at Ridgewood Specialty Care/Care Initiative Hospice in Ottumwa, Iowa.
He was born May 7,1961 in Ottumwa to Wilbur Willard Acord and Lola June Rogers Acord. He met Marjorie Fouts Strayer and they raised two daughters. They married July 13, 1991 in Oskaloosa and divorced later in life. Terry spent his early years near Ottumwa, as well as in Illinois and Arkansas. Terry was a CNA for many years in Oskaloosa and was a delivery driver at Pizza Hut. Terry enjoyed cooking, playing pool, and especially music. As a young boy and teenager, he often could be found playing his electric guitar or drums in his bedroom or garage. Terry loved music and was known for playing it loud…. very loud! On one occasion, his speakers shook so hard from the music that a garage window actually fell out — a story that became one of the family’s favorite memories. In his late teens, he traveled with a friend to California to follow his dream to play base guitar and drums in a band. After several months he returned home but forever cherished the talented musicians he met and lived with while there. His love of hard rock and Irish music was passed on to his daughters. He enjoyed playing and watching his grandchildren – whom the younger ones called Papa Shark. Terry enjoyed visiting with people and had many special friends in Brooklyn, Oskaloosa, and Ottumwa, IA. His goofy sense of humor and Irish stubbornness will be missed by many!
He is survived by his longtime companion, DeAnna Chambers, who shared 22 years of love and life with him; his daughters, Tara Acord of Ottumwa, IA and Kimberly Acord-Sly (James Sly) of Donnellson, IA; eight grandchildren, Jocelyn Acord, Jayce Boger, Reiley Freeman, Brenna Quinn (Devon Peden), Jayden Ullrich, Eddy Sapp (Brenna Umphress), Jasper Sapp, Aurora McCabe; a great grandson, Elias Peden of Ottumwa, IA; and half- brother, Larry Schaaf (Anne Spotts), of Lewis Center, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents.
As per Terry’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral service. He will be cremated and laid to rest beside his parents in Garrett Cemetery, Delta, IA. A family celebration of life will occur later. Flowers and cards can be sent to Tara Acord and family at 302 Summit Street, Apt #2, Ottumwa, IA 52501. The family would like to thank the caring staff at Unity Point Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, IA, Ridgewood Specialty Care in Ottumwa, IA, Care Initiative Hospice in Albia, IA, and Sinnott Funeral Home in Ottumwa, IA.
