Terrel Reynolds Tovey was called home on Feb. 19, 2026 at his home in Hermiston at the age of 98. We are certain Heaven gained a lively addition and we suspect it’s already receiving the full Terrel treatment.
Born on June 10, 1927 in Malad, Idaho to Lester Malcolm Tovey and Edith Reynolds, Terrel spent a lifetime proving that faith, family, and a good sense of humor can carry you through just about anything. From an early age, he showed signs of generosity, hard work, and kindness which later proved to be core character traits.
Terrel attended Malad High School, where he was known for his steady work ethic, loyal friendships, and just enough mischief to keep life interesting. After graduation, he was drafted in 1945 to the U.S. Army for two years and served part of that time in Korea. Upon returning, he continued his education at the University of Idaho (Moscow), Idaho State University (Pocatello), and Utah State University (Logan), where he received both his bachelor’s and master’s in agricultural engineering, always believing that learning was a gift and an opportunity to serve others well. In classrooms, campuses, or barracks, he trusted the Lord to guide his steps. And, whether studying for exams or shining boots before dawn, he did all things with gratitude, grit, and a good sense of humor.
On June 14, 1949 he married Katherine Morgan, beginning an eternal companionship built on love, faith, forgiveness, and a hefty dose of laughter. Together they welcomed 11 children into their warm and loving home, but the door was always open for others. Music was a central part of family life. Terrel believed you could sing your way out of your troubles. He was a devoted and selfless dad who, despite crazy work and church hours, tried to attend all kids’ activities (and this continued with the grandkids and even great-grandkids).
Terrel worked as an agricultural engineer with an emphasis in irrigation and drainage, but his true life’s work was teaching others to be “sweet and kind and patient” by his wonderful example and reminding everyone that life is good and that you can always rely on your Father in Heaven. He was deeply involved in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he faithfully served in many leadership roles. He also served a church mission with his sweetheart in the Apia, Samoa Mission. He was highly involved in his community as well, where over the decades he was always in the service of others.
Outside of work and church, he enjoyed ice-skating, playing family sports, family sing-alongs and jam sessions, and attending everyone’s events with Katie by his side. He firmly believed that ice cream cures everything, and he never met a person that he couldn’t love or an irrigation problem that couldn’t be solved.
Terrel is survived by Randy and his wife Melodee, Annette and her husband Steve, Jeff and his partner Robyn, Kathy, Susan and her husband Kelly, Alaina and her husband Mark, Doug and his wife Melinda, Sheri and her husband Brett, and Lester and his wife Jan; as well as 48 grandkids and 73 great-grandkids, who will carry forward his faith, stories, advice, and strong work ethic.
He was preceded in death by his infant son, Richard, his beloved Katie, and his son Rod and Rod’s wife Char, and we imagine the reunion in Heaven was joyful and filled with laughter and music.
We gather not to grieve, but to celebrate a life well lived and a race well run. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity in your own local area or simply honor his memory by loving God, loving people, and encouraging someone who needs it.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have (been true to) the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1035 S.E. Ninth St., Hermiston.
Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please share memories of Terrel at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
