Terry Wayne East

Terry Wayne East

1963-2022

Terry Wayne East, 59, entered the gates of heaven at 5:20 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 19, in his home surrounded by his loving wife, Dollie, and family.

Terry had a short but intense battle with a very aggressive form of lung cancer.

On Aug. 4, 1963, Terry was born to Tom and Millie East.

Terry lived his life just as he wanted — full of life and adventures with no regrets. Terry met his wife, Dollie, in high school. They were high school sweethearts. They came together at a young age, at 14 and 15. Terry and Dollie were together for 44 years and married for 41 years.

Terry loved camping, fishing, throwing a few beers back and good company. Terry loved nature and had a passion for yard work. Terry was a little rough around the edges but he had a huge heart of gold and was selfless.

Terry and Dollie were blessed with two sons, Cody East and Tyler East. He loved his boys more than anything. Terry’s family was his world.

Terry always worked hard all his life, operating heavy equipment. He loved what he did; Terry was a man’s man! Anyone who knew him knew the dedication and passion he put into his work and family. Anyone who met Terry loved being around him and you always had a friend for life with him. He would give you his shirt off his back or his last dime.

Terry retired 16 months prior to his passing.

Terry became grief stricken after the tragic death of his beloved son, Tyler. He spent what would be his last year on earth building a breathtaking memorial garden in loving memory of his son. Terry worked day and night on and in the garden, building the garden from love and pain. Terry was very proud of the memorial garden and all he did to honor his son’s memory.

One day in August, Terry said, “I don’t think I will work in the garden today. I am tired and I just don’t have the power.” The garden will now honor Terry’s memory along with his son, Tyler.

On Aug. 29, Terry was diagnosed with lung cancer. After the diagnosis, he fought a hard fight. Dollie never left Terry’s side, and she held his hand as he quietly passed on to his new journey.

Terry was also comforted into his new journey with his family alongside him as well. He passed away seven weeks after his diagnosis.

Terry is preceded in death by his beloved son, Tyler East; parents, Tom and Mildred East; his in-laws, Gilbert and Margita Aragon; brothers-in-law, Abran J. Lueras and Paul Lester Jr.; siblings, Peggy Lee Lester, Mike and Dean East; and his sister-in-law, Pam Aragon.

Terry is survived by his beloved wife, Dollie East; son, Cody East and fiancé, Karla Alvarez; his five beautiful grandchildren, Janessa, Alyssa, Maximus and Leah East and Emanuel Gonzales; his loving sister, Pam Lueras; and nieces, Amber and Jamie Lueras; great-niece, Nevaeh Lueras; sister-in-law, Gina Aragon; nephew, BJ Creek; niece, Heidi Creek; brother-in-law, Gilbert Aragon; nephew, TJ Aragon and Cheyenne Madden; nieces, Melanie and Crystal Lester; his two ride-or-die “brothers from another mother,” Frank Salazar and Bart Lujan; and many more family and friends.

A celebration of Terry’s life will be held from 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5, at 226 High Mesa Road, in Los Lunas.

Terry, you will never, ever go unforgotten. No more pain and suffering, no more grief. Your work here on earth is now completed and your new journey begins. Rest in paradise and fly high with Ty. We will always love you.