Terrance "Terry" R. Newhart

  Terrance R. Newhart, 78, of Walkerton, passed away peacefully during the morning hours of July 3rd at the Sanctuary at Holy Cross in South Bend.

  Terry was born in Frankfort, Indiana, on April 22, 1944, to Robert and Betty (Louks) Newhart. He was raised in South Bend and graduated from Washington Clay High School as part of the Class of ’64. He went on to serve his country proudly both during and following the Viet Nam Conflict in the United States Air Force where he served as Master Crew Chief on various aircraft, including the SR-71 Blackbird and B-52 Bomber. Terry later retired after 21 years from Fairmont Homes, where he worked as an assembler, material handler, and maintenance worker. He married the love of his life, Sharon K. McFarland, on May 31st, 1986.

  Terry loved horses stemming from his childhood days spent in rural Clinton County during summers with his family. Terry was a skilled horseman whose equestrian capabilities ranged from racehorse training to carriage driving of countless passengers, including former U.S. President Barack Obama while he was a United States Senator. Despite his various awards and accolades as an equestrian, Terry was proud to be an early proponent of equine hydrotherapy and once previously built a swimming pool to exercise and rehabilitate horses. Throughout his life he enjoyed mentoring and coaching young riders and drill team members as a 4-H volunteer and leader. 

  Terry also took great joy being in the company of his family, especially spending time with his Uncles Rick, Ray, and David, who loved him like a little brother. He enjoyed going to Friday night dinners and Sunday brunches with the various Hamilton and Newhart family and friends. He also enjoyed attending horse pulls, auctions, antique tractor and farm progress shows, watching harness racing, and fishing, a past time he especially enjoyed with his father in later years. Terry loved sharing stories and imparting wisdom to many, but often listened and patiently observed others before sharing unique and funny witticisms in a way only he could.

  Terry is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, along with his children, Michelle (J.V. Williams) Fross of Guernsey, Wyoming; Teresa (Willie) Gilchrest of Spokane, Missouri; and Brandon (Brianna Berry) Newhart, Esq., of Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren and godfather to Ronald Hamilton. He is also survived by his Uncle Raymond (Georgia) Hamilton; Aunt Sandra Newhart; his Father and Mother-in-law, Jack (Joyce) McFarland; and his brothers-in-law, Don Willis and Rick McFarland; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two Uncles, Richard Hamilton and David Newhart; two sisters, Sue Britton and Ruth Willis; and sister-in-law, Jackie Smith.

   Per Terry’s wishes, he will be cremated. Terry’s family and friends welcome you to his Celebration of Life to be held at V.F.W. Post #1954 located at 66992 Tamarack Road, North Liberty, IN 46554 on August 20, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. HANLEY and Sons Funeral Home “Walkerton Chapel”, 1216 Roosevelt Rd., Walkerton, is assisting the family with arrangements and wishes to extend their deepest heartfelt prayers to all of Terry’s family and friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 115 North Lafayette Blvd. South Bend, IN 46601 or diabetic charitable or non-profit organization of your choice

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