Terry Mosser

Terry Mosser, 73, of Staunton, Illinois passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at

Community Hospital of Staunton. Born in Alton, IL on September 22, 1948, Terry was

the son of Carl and Selma (Schnaare) Mosser. Terry graduated from Staunton High

School in 1966 and then attended SIUE. Until 1969, Terry lived and worked in St. Louis

teaching private piano lessons and playing piano at bar mitzvahs, weddings and

funerals.

Terry served in the US Army from 1969 – 1971, stationed at Ft Belvoir, VA and played

clarinet in the 75 th US Army Band. He also played in a local area band and taught piano

lessons. It was during this time that he met Eleanor Phipps. He and Eleanor were

married August 16, 1970 in Baltimore, MD.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, he and Eleanor worked together

in a show band that traveled through many parts of the US. In 1974, they settled in

Deerfield, IL. During the 24 years that they lived in Deerfield, Terry’s exceptional

carpentry skills kept him busy as a sought-after finish carpenter. He continued to teach

piano lessons and he and Eleanor continued to play in a show band as often as

possible.

In 1998, Terry and Eleanor moved back to Staunton, where Terry built their self

designed home. Terry continued his carpentry work and music career after the move

back to Staunton. Terry’s innate piano skills allowed him to substitute in many area

bands, including Men in Heat. Terry also served as organist at several area churches,

including the First United Methodist Church in Staunton. Terry was a member of the Tri-

County Musicians’ Union, Local No. 88.

Terry cherished his time with his family and friends, especially if that time included

making music and he always completed the Sunday cross word puzzles.

One of Terry’s greatest pleasures was working with the directors and students in the

choral department at Staunton Community Unit School District. He served as

accompanist at many choral concerts as well as solo contests.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, James Biggerstaff.

He is survived by his wife Eleanor, sister Tami Biggerstaff of Urbandale, IA, sister-in-law

Thelma Phipps of Deerfield, IL nieces Tara Elkin and Marissa Brown of Des Moines and

their families, life-long friends and cousins Eugene Roehl of Troy, IL and his family,

Nancy Goldasich of Staunton and her family, several more dear cousins and many dear

friends and God children.

Graveside services and a celebration of Terry’s life will be held at a later date. Interment

will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton. Arrangements are under the direction of

Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton.

In honor of Terry’s lifelong commitment to music education, memorials in his honor will

be designated to the choral department at Staunton Community Schools, 108 W. Henry St. Staunton, IL 62088.

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