Terry K. Tallman died on July 30, 2022 at his home in Boardman at the age of 76.
He was born on March 31, 1946 in Nyssa.
Terry Tallman grew up working on the family farm in Adrian. After graduating high school in 1964, he continued that work until joining the Navy during the Vietnam War in 1969. Serving aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, Terry was responsible for maintaining the ship’s ultrasound systems and repairing various aircraft. It was through the Navy that Terry met Cheryl, his wife of 48 years. While he was stationed in California, the couple was introduced by Cheryl’s brother, Steve DeBoer, with whom Terry served. The two were married in 1974 following Terry’s discharge from the Navy. Terry then took the opportunity to attend college at both the University of Oregon and Oregon State University before returning to the family farm in Adrian. Inspired by the development of irrigated agriculture in the Columbia Basin at the time, Terry and Cheryl moved to the Boardman area in 1978.
After establishing a successful custom farming operation in Boardman with his brother Tim, Terry began to focus on community service. His efforts and success on the city of Boardman Planning Commission led numerous community members to encourage him to run for mayor, a position he won and held for five years. In 1999, Terry successfully ran for county judge of Morrow County, which he won and held for 18 years, the longest in Morrow County history. Following retirement from public service, Terry was able to spend more time doing things that he loved. Fishing trips with his family and road trips visiting friends and family around the country were two pastimes that took him out of Oregon. And, of course, his favorite: planting and tending to his beloved flowers, watermelon, cantaloupe, and vegetables.
In 2019, he and his wife opened a coffee shop called The Farmer’s Cup on the family farm in Boardman. Through the coffee shop, Terry was able to show his love of community and create a place for people to enjoy each other’s company, converse, buy and eat fresh produce, and walk through the garden where that produce was grown.
Terry loved the Lord and was involved with The Navigators Christian ministry. He and his wife supported many pastors, missionaries, and believers who devoted themselves to sharing the Gospel locally and abroad. His faith was the rock and foundation of his life as he served the Lord steadfastly throughout his years.
Survivors include his wife, Cheryl; brother-in-law, David Heldenbrand; brother, Tim (and Lois) Tallman; sister, Evelyn (and Mike) Gobler; his children, Jonathan Tallman, Crystal (and Shawn) Hempel and Derrin Tallman; granddaughter, Cora Hempel; nephews, Jimmy (and Amber) Nelson, Mike (and Sandy) Tallman, Chris Tallman, Mike J. Gobler and Ben (and Ciara) Graybill; nieces, Kelsey (and Rich) Kowald, Charlotte (and Jaye) Divine, Christine (and Brian) Benson, Shannon (and Rudy) Falsis, Cindy Gobler, Shanna (and Luke) Simonson, Katie Heldenbrand and Aubrey Graybill; and many great-nieces, great-nephews and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Billie Tallman; and sister, Marilyn Nelson Heldenbrand.
Services were held on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022.
Donations in Terry’s memory may be made to the ministry of Andy and Anne Hermanns via InFaith (https://www.infaith.org/andy-anne-hermanns).
Please share memories of Terry with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
