Terry Lee Sallee

Terry Lee Sallee, age 82 passed away on Mar. 8, 2026 at Common Spirit Hospital, Garden City, KS. He was born on Nov. 15, 1943 in Sterling, KS. The son of Arthur and Leona (Richardson) Sallee. Terry received his Master’s degree from Fort Hays State College and later became a chemist for Shell Chemical Co. He served in the US Navy as a Lieutenant, at the Navy Medical Research Institute in Bethesda, MD from 1967-1970. On Jan. 14, 1967, Terry Sallee picked up Joy Leitner for what began as a simple date, but in Russell, KS, Joy gave her life to Christ and the two eloped and he married the love of his life, Joy Sallee. After his service in the Navy he settled with his wife Joy in St. Joseph MO where he continued work as a chemist and raised pigs. He came home to farm family land in 1974, he was also a bus driver and a substitute teacher for Macksville schools for 25 years. Outside of work Terry was a member of the St. John Saddle Club, and the American Quarter Horse Association. More importantly, Terry was a member of the Church of Christ in St. John Kansas where he served the church as an Elder. Terry loved caring for his cattle, riding his horses, watching his crops grow, hunting with friends, spending time with his family, and praising the Lord. He cherished every one of these moments, but never alone—Joy was always there beside him, his partner in every step of the life they built together. Other survivors include his daughter, Tammy Meador and her husband, Joe, Cimarron, KS; a son, Joe Sallee and his wife, Mam, Cimarron, KS; 2 brothers, Jim Sallee and his wife, Kim, West Point, MS, Bob Sallee and his wife, Diane, Puyallup, WA, Sister-in-law Carol Sallee wife of brother Larry Sallee. Terry was also survived by four grandchildren; Benjamin Meador, Malachi Meador, Ariya Sallee, and Deacon Sallee. He was preceded in death by both parents, a brother, Larry Sallee and a sister, Carolyn Fennewald. A memorial service will be 10:00 AM, Friday, Mar. 13, 2026 at the Church of Christ, St. John with Carl Feril, Luke Alpers, and Zeboriah Carter officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Fairview Park Cemetery with Darrell Rains officiating. Memorial checks may be written to: Garden City Church of Christ or St. John Church of Christ and put (LTC) in the memo line. Mail checks to Minnis Chapel, P.O. Box 34, St. John, KS 67576.