Terry Bales

Terry Bales, a beloved teacher, coach, and mentor, passed away Monday, May 5, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to helping young people grow. He was a 1982 graduate of Blue River Valley High School and Ball State University, where he earned his master's degree in education. He taught at Pendleton Heights for six years, Wapahani High School for 19 years before retiring from Blue River Valley High School after 10 years of service. Terry devoted his life to education and coaching, shaping the lives of countless students both in the classroom and on the court.

Teaching math was Terry's true calling. With a passion for inspiring young minds, he spent his career guiding and encouraging students to reach their fullest potential. But his impact extended beyond academics-he was also a coach, instilling discipline, teamwork, and perseverance in his players. Fittingly, he began and ended his coaching career at Blue River Valley High School, the place that first shaped his love for sports and mentorship.

He was a member of Mount Summit Christian Church for 18 years. His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support left an imprint on all who knew him. Whether in the classroom, on the court, or within the community, he was a leader, a motivator, and a friend.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Angela who he married June 7, 1986, daughter, Kelcy Bales, son, Brennen Bales (Kalie) all of Mt Summit, grandchildren, Grace, Maddie and Collins Bales, his parents, Ted and Rosella Bales, sister, Shelley Eddings (Don), father-in-law, John Dillman, brother and sister-in-law, Rhonda (Jim) Stokes, Jeff (Marsha) Dillman and nephews, Jed and Jordan Cummings.

He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Mary Jane Dillman and his grandparents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Justin Schwartz officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Summit Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 9 at the funeral home.

In honor of his fight and in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the T. Bales Memorial Scholarship c/o Angela Bales, PO Box 101, Mt. Summit, Indiana 47361, continuing Terry's lifelong commitment to helping others. You may express condolences or share a memory of Terry at www.hinsey-brown.com.