Terence R. Colman

Somersworth, NH – Terence "Terry" R. Colman, 87, died Saturday, February 27, 2010, at Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover, NH after a period of failing health. He was born in Proctor, Vt. on October 6, 1922, a son of Harold E. and Marietta (Gibson) Churchill, and step-son of Richard W. Churchill. He spent most of his adult life in the Upper Valley, living in West Lebanon and more than thirty years in White River Jct. where he enjoyed being part of the Marshall Avenue neighborhood. Most recently he resided in Somersworth, NH. He graduated from Williamstown High School and from Vermont School of Agriculture (Vermont Technical College) in 1941, where he was active in student government, track, and basketball. . Mr. Colman was proud to have served in the United States Air Force from 1942 to 1945. He was a waist gunner on a B-17 bomber in the 324th Squadron of the 91st Bomber Group and completed twenty five missions over Europe. Among his honors were the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in White River Jct. and a very active member of American Legion Post #26 in White River Jct., where he had a special commitment to Legion baseball. Mr. Colman worked in sales during his career and retired from Blodgett Supply Company in 1989, where he was sales manager. In his spare time he enjoyed building and fixing things, especially for his friends and neighbors. He loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter who enjoyed outings with his many fishing and hunting buddies and the stories that followed. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gladys M. Colman; three daughters and their partners: Pam and Jay McClure of Palm Bay, FL, Sandra Holland and Sam Currie of Franktown, VA; and Molly Colman and Don Markley of South Berwick, ME; eight grandchildren: Jason, Franklyn, Karri, Adam, Scott Amy, Todd, and Lily, and five great grandchildren. He also leaves a sister, Laurel C. Cadmus of Montclair, NJ and a brother, Leland D. Churchill of Merrimack, NH. He was predeceased by brothers, John F. Colman and William Colman, and a sister, M. Jane Palmer. According to his wishes no funeral service will be held. A graveside service will be held at Lakeview Cemetery in Enfield, NH at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Terry's name to Legion Baseball, American Legion Post 26, 129 S. Main St, White River Jct., VT 05001.