Terry Dubberly


Terry Lee Dubberly
Born: February 01, 1948
Died: October 19, 2015

Captain Terry Lee Dubberly, United States Air Force Retired, passed away on Monday, October 19th, after a lengthy fight against cancer. At 12:13 p.m. Terry lost his battle, holding his wife's hand.

Terry was born February 1st, 1948, in Hastings, Nebraska, to Lois Jean (Mays) and Julian (Jack) Dubberly. Terry grew up following his father's military career around the world, living across the United States and overseas before graduating from Doniphan (NE) High School in 1966.

Upon graduation, Terry joined the Air Force as a Security Policeman. After a short tour in South Dakota, Terry was sent in March 1967 to Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. While there for a 12-month tour, he was assigned to the 377th Security Police Squadron, and was on duty when the Tet Offensive began on January 31st, 1968. After his tour in Vietnam, Terry was sent to Valdosta, Georgia, where he met and married Judy Sirmans.

Over the course of Terry's 24-year military career he continued his world travels, joined by wife Judy, and later, daughter Andrea, and son Jesse. He completed his Bachelor Degree, earning his commission in 1980 and continuing his military service as an Executive Officer and later as an Air Force ROTC Recruiter for the University of Oklahoma.

Terry retired from military service in 1990, but never stopped serving. He and Judy first made their home in Norman, Oklahoma, where he continued his life of service--first with the Oklahoma Lupus Association, then with Vatterott College, and finally as Executive Director of Opportunities, Inc. in Watonga, Oklahoma. Terry saw the move to Watonga in 2009 as the start of a new adventure, and loved the slower pace of life. He finally officially retired in August 2015, when cancer made it necessary.

In 2004, Terry earned the title of "Grandpa". Over the next few years, he welcomed four granddaughters who were the light of his life. Terry's best days involved watching "the girls" grow and learn, and he loved to hear them giggle. He was a converted Sooner football fan, enjoyed watching crime shows, loved good barbeque, and always made time for Sunday naps with his furry friends Herbie and Chloe. Terry was a lifelong member of the American Legion, the Military Officer Association of America, and the Vietnam Security Police Association.

Terry is preceded in death by an infant daughter, his parents Lois Jean and Jack, his brother David Dubberly, and his brother-in-law David Astrones. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Judy, daughter Andrea (Brent) Williams, son Jesse (Sarah) Dubberly, along with 4 beautiful granddaughters, sisters Gloria (Jeff) Gates, Brenda Astrones, Colleen (Mike) Leitschuck, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Russell-Murray Hospice, Opportunities Inc., or the Watonga Fire Angels.