Terry W. Falline, 78, of Maryville, passed away Friday, June 30, 2023, at Christian Hospital in St. Louis. Known for his incredible creative design prowess, the longtime Collinsville resident touched the lives of innumerable people by freely sharing his talents with his family, his church and his community.

Terry was born in East St. Louis and grew up in Collinsville, where he attended SS. Peter & Paul Catholic School and Collinsville High School. He met Judy Sager when they were 14-year-olds building a float for homecoming. They graduated high school together and attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where Terry earned a bachelor's degree in design.

He and Judy were married May 27, 1967, and celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this year. Terry served in the U.S. Army Military Police in Vietnam. Throughout their lives, he and Judy were a strong team working together and supporting each other in raising a family, advancing their careers and engaging in community service.

A lifetime member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Terry contributed on a variety of projects benefitting the church, parish and school. He served as a leader of the Arts and Environment Committee for 20 years. One of Terry's legacies is the pulley system that he designed to hang banners and decorations behind the altar.

His favorite undertaking was building the Nativity scene at the church for Christmas, which in time became a project he shared with his daughter, Amy Smith, and grandchildren Mindy and Tyler. Terry also contributed to the recent church revitalization project, providing his input on the new entrance building, selecting the paint colors for the church and completing the new baptismal pool.

It was important to Terry that his children, Amy and Ryan, attended SS. Peter and Paul School. While they were students he served as president of the Parents and Friends Club and treasurer of the Athletic Association. Hundreds of SS. Peter and Paul graduates remember the incredible costumes and floats he designed and constructed for Junior Olympics parades over the years, including outfits representing Egypt, China and Italy.

Terry supported his kids in all of their activities, from helping with school projects to attending tennis, soccer and basketball games. He carried drums to shows for Ryan and supported Amy in fundraisers to become Tepee May Queen. As loyal Kahok fans, Terry and Judy frequently attended basketball and soccer games. While their children were at CHS, he was a member of Purple Pride and served as vice president and president of the Parent Soccer Association.

A busy professional working in the furniture industry as a buyer, merchandiser, operations manager and visual designer, Terry also found time to contribute to the City of Collinsville as a member and president of the Zoning Board of Appeals. He coordinated the restoration of the historic Blum House and the Collins House, both on Main Street, and shared his talents with the Collinsville Historical Museum. Terry left his mark on the annual Festival of Trees as an organizer in the early years and decorated countless Christmas trees and wreaths for the community fundraising event. Many have said that they think of Terry whenever they see Christmas decorations.

Terry was also active in the Knights of Columbus as a third-degree knight and vice president of the Collins Club. He was involved in remodeling the Collinsville KC Hall, helped run the Queen of Hearts fundraiser and spent many Friday evenings frying fish with the guys.

As "Popo" to Mindy and Tyler, Terry helped care for them when Amy returned to work. He had many wonderful adventures with his grandchildren playing trains and Lego, making puzzles and artwork together and going on shopping trips. He picked them up from school every day and attended all of their sports games and school events. He made wonderful costumes for them too. Terry valued the time he spent with his granddaughter Layla, visiting her in Arizona, taking trips to the train park and conducting their regular Facetime calls. On one visit with little Layla, Terry taught her how to hunt Easter eggs and practiced for days with Terry hiding and Layla hunting.

Terry is survived by his wife Judy (Sager) Falline; their two children, Amy (Michael) Smith, of Collinsville, and Ryan (Louisa) Falline, of Phoenix, AZ; three grandchildren, Melinda and Tyler Smith and Layla Falline; a sister, Shari (Falline) Barnish, of Collinsville; brother-in-law Jack Arth, of Davenport, IA; sister-in-law Sallie (Sager) Mahan of Hillsboro, MO, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Louise (Merlo) Falline; in-laws Wilmer and Leone (Conley) Sager; sister Joyce (Falline) Arth, and brothers-in-law Steve Barnish and Jim Mahan.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 7, 2023, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center St., Maryville, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 207 Vandalia St., Collinsville. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the church, with Father Michael Haag as celebrant. Burial will be in SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the SS. Peter & Paul Annual Fund in support of the school or to the Collinsville Food Pantry's Tote Me Home program to support food insecure Collinsville school children. For his last seven months Terry depended on blood transfusions generously donated to blood banks, and blood donations in his memory are appreciated.