Lt. Col. Andrew L. Terpening (USAF, Retired)

Lt. Col. Andrew L. Terpening, (USAF, retired), died peacefully in his home at White Hall, Ark., on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 with his wife by his side. Andy was born in Artesia, New Mexico on June 2, 1933 to the late Henry and Rita Stanley Terpening. Andy is survived by his sweetheart and loving wife of 36 years, Johanna Bouillon Shugart Terpening, who he married on September 19, 1982; daughters, Kristin Terpening (Shannon) and Kelly Gurley (Greg); son, John Terpening (Sebrina); step-daughters, Mary Murdock (Gary), Betty Ray, and Joann Wessels; several nieces and nephews; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren, and brother, Lyle Terpening. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathy Hejl; brother, John Terpening; nephew, Lynn Terpening; sister-in-law, Mary Terpening; step-grandsons, Spencer Wessels and Kyle Barber; and step-great-grandson, Jonathan McCollum. Andy graduated from Artesia High School in 1951. He attended the University of New Mexico on a football scholarship. Upon graduation in 1955, he received an Air Force commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. Andy served the next 22 years in the Air Force, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Andy received his pilot's wings in 1957. His greatest joy was flying the F-4 Phantom Jet Fighter and instructed many other pilots. He retired from the Air Force January 1, 1977 at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas. He then began his second career, working for the HEB Grocery Company in Texas. He was quickly promoted at HEB, working in several stores, in Austin, Texas. Andy retired, again, as a store director in 1996. Andy and Johanna moved to Fairfield Bay Arkansas in 2000. Their time in Fairfield Bay were wonderful years for them. Andy became an avid golfer and described their new place in Fairfield Bay as a "dream home". They moved to White Hall in 2017 to live closer to kids and grandkids. Andy loved and enjoyed life and was a fiercely patriotic American. He lived his life with integrity and honesty. He loved Johanna. He was devoted to her and his family, was the bedrock of his family. He will be greatly missed. A memorial service and celebration of Andy's life will be held on Friday, November 30, 2018, 2:00 p.m., at Robinson & Fuller White Hall Funeral Chapel. Full Military Funeral Honors will be rendered by the Little Rock Air Force Base Honor Guard. In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials can be made to Genesis Project, 44 S. Cleveland Street, Memphis, Tenn., 38104 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn., 38105. Online condolences may be made at RFWhiteHall.com.