Funeral services for Terry Bingham, 73, of Melcher-Dallas, will be held Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Melcher-Dallas. Military honors will be carried out following the service at the funeral home. A luncheon will be held for a time of continued visiting and fellowship at the funeral home.
Terry’s family will receive friends on Monday, October 12th, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Melcher-Dallas.
Memorials in Terry’s name may be made to his family in care of his wife Sherri and will be designated at a later date.
Terry was born January 26, 1953, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Irvin and Deloris Bingham. He grew up on the family farm near Melcher-Dallas and graduated from Melcher-Dallas High School in 1971. Following graduation, Terry worked for John Deere for a short time before eventually serving his country in the United States Army as a mechanic, spending three years on active duty and another three years in the reserves.
On June 29, 1974, Terry married Sherri Enfield, beginning a marriage that would span more than 52 years. Together, they built a life filled with family, hard work, and plenty of memories. After all those years, the two knew each other so well they could nearly read each other’s minds.
Terry was a hardworking man who liked to stay busy, a trait he learned from his dad. Growing up on the farm, he especially enjoyed working with the cattle. He spent much of his working life as a machinist, working in Chariton, Pella, Pleasantville, Osceola, Newton, and Des Moines. At the time of his passing, he was employed by JE Enterprises in Des Moines. Terry took pride in his work and genuinely enjoyed what he did. Even away from his job, there was always something to work on, somewhere to go, or something that needed his attention.
When Terry did find time to relax, he enjoyed the outdoors, especially crappie fishing. He and Sherri also shared a love for their dogs. Their yellow Lab, Charlie, seemed to have a personality much like Terry’s, just a little grumpy and ornery, but a much-loved companion. Tucker was another favorite who loved nothing more than cuddling up to Terry whenever he had the chance.
Terry was also a Kansas City Chiefs fan, even when they gave him plenty of reasons to grumble. More recently, Sherri convinced him to buy a few miniature Hereford cattle. It didn’t take long for Terry to become attached to his little herd, and he thoroughly enjoyed caring for them and spending time outdoors.
Those who knew Terry well knew he could be a little grumpy and ornery, but that was simply part of his charm. He enjoyed telling old stories, sometimes more than once, and those closest to him could probably tell a few of them right along with him. He and Sherri also enjoyed taking drives and spontaneous trips, especially over the last several years. They didn’t always need a destination in mind; sometimes just getting away together was enough.
Above all, Terry loved his family. Terry wasn’t a man who needed a lot of fuss or attention. He found happiness in his work, his animals, his family, and the simple pleasures of everyday life. He worked hard, loved in his own way, and was always happiest doing things just the way he wanted with Sherri by his side.
Terry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sherri; his children, Shane Bingham, Caleb Bingham, and Carley (Elijah) Wheelock; his special second daughter, Shelby (Austin) Riggan; his siblings, Toni (Jim) Johnson, Rick (Jennifer) Bingham, Ron (Linda) Bingham, and Mike (Wendy) Bingham; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Terry passed away suddenly on October 7th at the Knoxville Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Deloris Bingham; and his sister, Becky Kirfman.
