Terry Harnett, 61

Terry Lyn Harnett, 61, passed in his sleep on April 25, 2024. Although his failing heart took him from our world, it was his huge heart that has left quite an impression on so many friends and family members. Terry didn't know a stranger, offering up a friendly wave or an ornery grin to all who crossed his path. He was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. But his best role in life by far was being father to Tyler and Trevor. His love for his sons was strong and unconditional. When they came along, they truly changed the trajectory of his life.
Terry was born February 14, 1963 in Beloit. He was the third child and the baby of the family. Terry attended Beloit Elementary and Beloit Jr. Sr. High School, graduating in 1981. He grew up around the family business at Shamburg Oil Company, following in his dad Dean's footsteps learning mechanic skills at a young age. It was the days of pumping gas and washing windshields for customers. Terry learned to change the oil and change tires very early in life. He went on to attend North Central Kansas Area Vocational Technical School to enhance his auto mechanic skills. Terry also worked for Gerald Zimmer's Auction Palace for a few years before starting his 25-plus-year career with Carrico Implement. It was there that he became a favorite among seasoned farmers in the area.
In his spare time, Terry and "the boys" spent most of their time at the lake. When a family friend gave Terry an old yellow school bus converted for camping, you would have thought they had won the lottery. Nicknamed "Spongebob," that bus brought many happy weekends spent fishing, camping, and hanging out with friends on the shores of Waconda Lake. Lake life continued with upgraded camping trailers and many more memories made through the years.
If he wasn't at his camp site Terry was cruising around seeing who else might be catching anything or had a story to share. He was happiest when he was among friends and family. Although Terry's life saw difficult times through the years, including his health, he wasn't one to complain or dwell on the rough times. He always had a smile and a chuckle and handled the toughest of times with dignity and strength.
Terry was married to Cindy Hallam briefly, divorcing in 2001. However, this relationship brought out the best accomplishment in his life, the births of his boys. He often commented on how fortunate he was that he got to raise both sons, and that they have stayed near all these years. He has said more than once that he didn't know what he would do without them.
He leaves to mourn his passing his two sons, Tyler and Trevor Harnett, Cawker City; sister, Joy Brennan (Greg), Topeka; nephew, Lukas Brennan, Lawrence, and aunt Erma Criswell, Beloit. Other special family members include cousins Jill Weber, Jan Hennes, Julie Wagner, Steve Criswell, Carol Roots, Gary Hale, and David Gildersleeve. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Ferma Harnett; his sister, Cindy Lang, his AFS exchange sister, Alison Cribb; cousins, Jason Hennes, Sue Hartenbower, Andrea Hale, and Alison Monsanto, as well as many loved aunts, uncles, and friends who were important in his life.
Terry's family wishes to give special thanks to Jim and Tammie Wiles and daughters who have been family to Terry and the boys throughout their life. They have truly been a blessing for all of us.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Beloit. Casual informal attire is suggested to match the high standards of Terry. No visitation is planned. Memorials may be given to the Family Expense Fund in care of the funeral home.
Roberts Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be left at www.robertsfamilyfs.com

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Terry Harnett, 61

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