Terry “Jewboy” Sales, born Donald Terry Sales on March 31, 1946, in Centerville, Iowa to Wyllard and Virginia (Brown) Sales passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026 at UnityPoint Health Iowa Methodist in Des Moines. A resident of Seymour, Iowa, and a respected figure in the community, Terry was a dedicated family man and a hard-working farmer. He was well-known for his love of westerns, the Chicago Med, Fire, and PD series, playing cards and drinking coffee at the local Co-op with the guys.
Terry graduated from Seymour High School in 1964 and promptly went to Barber School. His early career was interrupted by a draft into the Army during the Vietnam War, a period of his life that shaped him profoundly. Upon his return, Terry worked as a barber in Indianola before moving back to the Seymour area. Here, he found his true calling in farming, tending to grain and livestock across Appanoose and Wayne County until his retirement.
A proud father, Terry was blessed with two children, Teresa and Todd, from his marriage to Frances Lohr. His family was the center of his world, and he relished spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of the American Legion in Seymour. He was known as the Melon Man, for every summer for several years he would go to Muscatine to get a truckload of watermelon, cantaloupe, sweet corn and other vegetables. He was also known for his jovial nature and infectious laughter, Terry’s presence was a source of joy and comfort to his loved ones and his community. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.
He is survived by 2 children, Teresa (Tim) Chafa, Todd (Angela) Sales; grandchildren, Madison Chafa, Hannah (Chase), Caden, Peyton, Bella Sales; great grandchildren, Tayah Sales, Onyx Sellers; siblings, Dick (Kathy) Sales, Sheryl (Dale) Sheets, and sister-in-law, Judy Sales, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wyllard and Virginia Sales; one brother, Larry Sales.
A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026 from 9-11 a.m. at Sinnott Funeral Home in Albia with family present. Military rites will held at 11 a.m.., at the funeral home also on Saturday. Memorials have been established to the family and will be directed at a later date.
We encourage all who knew and loved Terry “Jewboy” Sales to share their memories and upload photos to his memorial page. Your stories will help us all to celebrate his life and keep his spirit alive.
