Memorial

Terry Lee Smith, 73, of Cedar Rapids passed away Friday, February 28th, 2014 at Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 4th, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.  A private Funeral Service for family and burial will follow at Campton-Oak Hill Cemetery, Lamont, Iowa. 

Terry was born February 11, 1941 in Oelwein, Iowa the first son of Roger K. and Yula (Otterbeck) Smith and baptized at the United Methodist Church in Lamont. He graduated from Lamont’s Consolidated Schools with the class of 1958.

Following graduation, Terry attended school in Minneapolis and began work at Capitol Airlines in Chicago as a Passenger Service Agent. He continued work in Chicago when Capitol merged with United Airlines and was transferred to Chicago’s O’Hare Field when it opened.

He was united in marriage to Dian Anderson in Lamont, IA on August 3, 1959.  To this union were four children: Roger M., Greenwood Village, CO; Jeffery K., Denver, CO; Nancy L. Hurt, Littleton, CO; and Jana L. (Laura Richards), Denver, CO.

Terry continued work with United Airlines after moving to Cedar Rapids in 1963.  He began in the real estate business with Luce & Sullivan REALTORS in 1967; then established Terry L. Smith & Co. REALTORS in the early 1970s.  He then founded Conventional Builders and began new home construction, building more than 150 homes in the Cedar Rapids/Marion areas.  In 1980, he formed Terry Smith Honda-Subaru, which he successfully managed for 16 years.  

Terry was married to Dawn Brooks in 1985, and from this union, a daughter, Megan Elizabeth Rose, Cedar Rapids was born.

Terry returned to real estate and construction with TLSCO Investments Inc., specializing in commercial real estate and development in the 1990s, and bought the dealership where he purchased his first automobile, Iowa Motor Company in Oelwein in 2000, selling the business in 2008.

Terry met Geri Barker in 1986. They were married for 15 years and remained good friends. Terry was stepfather to David (Gail) of Louisburg, MO and Amy of Monticello, MN.


In addition to his five children and two stepchildren, Terry was loved and will be fondly remembered by his six grandchildren: Ryan and Molly Smith of Denver, CO; Zachary Smith of Boulder, CO; CJ and Aiden Barker of Louisburg, MO; and Kyan Smith-Richards of Denver, CO. He also leaves one sister, Merry Dee (Sid) Corbin of Canyon Lake, TX, two nieces and many cousins.

Terry fostered many friendships and business relationships throughout his life and career.  He earned multiple awards and accreditations in Real Estate and as an Automobile Dealer. Terry’s huge heart and passion for living and loving his way was rewarded by his family and friends who supported him with prayers and positive thoughts during his final days.  He never forgot a face, name or place and could recall his adventures throughout his life like no other. He enjoyed traveling and spending time at his home in Lake Delhi for over 40 years with family and friends.  In 2004 he retired to Fort Meyers FL for 4 years and then owned a home in Mesa, Arizona, returning to Cedar Rapids in 2009.  Terry was a life long supporter and contributor of the University of Iowa Athletic Program. He is a life long member of the Golden Hawkeye Society. 

Preceding Terry in death were his parents and two younger brothers, Larry & Willis, in an automobile accident near Lamont, December 28, 1948; and his paternal grandparents who raised him, Martin and Hazel Smith of Lamont; and son-in-law, David C. Hurt of Foley, AL.


In lieu of flowers, Terry’s family requests donations to the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha, Iowa where Terry was lovingly cared for during his final days.