Obituary: Terry Lee Zellers (11/14/23)

Terry Lee Zellers, 62, of Indianapolis, passed away on November 7, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Terry was born on April 23, 1961 in Vincennes to Leland D. and Shilpa Jean (Billie) Zellers.

He spent his early years in Robinson, Illinois, until his family moved to Greencastle when he started kindergarten. Terry graduated from Greencastle High School in 1979 and attended Ball State University.

Since 1996, Terry has worked for Wheaton World Wide Moving in Indianapolis. For 27 years, he was a valued employee, serving as the company’s safety coordinator.

Terry enjoyed studying architecture and history and hoped to restore old homes in his retirement. He was particularly drawn to the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and visited many homes designed by Wright. He enjoyed learning and sharing stories about the history of Indianapolis’ neighborhoods, famous people, and historic structures. Terry preserved the genealogical records of his family and could tell stories in great detail about the family history extending back many generations.

Active involvement in charitable organizations has been central to Terry’s adult life. Terry was a patient at Shriners Hospitals throughout his childhood, and he made a generous donation to them in appreciation of what they did for him and their mission to help children with birth defects. He was also a founding and active member of the Sovereign Imperial Court of Indiana, a diverse group that welcomes all and whose mission is to undertake projects of a public service or charitable nature. Terry and his partner, Kevin Dinsmore, were also supporters of Indiana Youth Collective, an organization dedicated to supporting the needs of LGBTQ+ youth in Indiana.

Terry is survived by his parents, Leland and Jean Zeller of Greencastle; his sister, Sherry Roach (Tom) of Greencastle; nephews Alex Roach Beckley (Lindsey) of Franklin and Adam Roach (Amy) of Danville; and nieces and nephews, Nora Beckley, Claire and Lillian Roach, Hayden Belsky of Plainfield and Austin, and Jenna Negrete of Lutz, FL. Terry loved the children in the family, was generous with gifts, and would always buy the newborn the largest stuffed animal. can find.

He was preceded in death in 2020 by his partner, Kevin Dinsmore, whom he described as the love of his life. He was also preceded by life partners Michael Caine in 2015 and Stephen Kelso in 1996; his beloved grandparents, Elmer and Dale Bailey of Palestine, IL, and Golder and Exie Zellers of Annapolis, IL; and his uncles, Keith Bailey and Howard Zellers.

Terry’s death was the result of cancer, a disease he kept secret for months in the hopes that he would be able to recover from it and not have to worry his loved ones. After a short period of remission, the cancer came back and quickly took him away. Terry’s family greatly appreciates the care he received at Life’s Journey of Avon.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Helton & Harris Funeral Home in Danville on Saturday, November 18. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon with a celebration of life at noon.

Terry made all of his end-of-life decisions and chose green burial because of his concern for the land. He will be buried in a private service at Oak Hill Cemetery in Crawfordsville.

Terry requested donations in his memory to Shriners Hospitals at www.lovetotherescue.org and the Indiana Youth Group at www.indianayouthgroup.org.