Terence W. Lerner Obituary (1938 - 2015)

Terence W. (Terry) Lerner passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, January 20, 2015, at the age of 76, at Menorah Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. He succumbed to lung disease following recent heart surgery. Terry was the son of Joseph S. and Miriam W. Lerner, of Kansas City, parents to whom he was devoted all of their lives. He graduated from Pembroke-Country Day School, where he played basketball for the storied coach Edwin J. Ryan. Terry was so inspired by, and fond of, Mr. Ryan that at the coach’s untimely death, he was instrumental in founding the Eddie Ryan Award, in memory of Coach Ryan, the award given each year to the most outstanding high school basketball coach in the Greater Kansas City area. Terry administered the selection process, and presented the award, for over forty years. Terry graduated from Stanford University, where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, serving his tour of duty at Ft. Benjamin Harrison, in Indiana. He began his business career in Kansas City, as an investment advisor. Most of his years were spent with H.O. Peet & Co. In recent years, he was associated with Geha & Associates here. A loyal Royals fan all his life, Terry was a charter member of the Royal Lancers. For forty-five years he supported the team, becoming friendly with Ewing and Muriel Kauffman, the well-known owners of the team, traveling to Spring Training with them each year, and spending countless hours selling season tickets. The highlight of his years with the Lancers was riding in the 1985 World Series parade. A few years ago, he was honored on the field as one of only four living charter members of the Lancers. Terry also served as a Board Member of the Jewish Community Center of Kansas City, following in the footsteps of his father, who was one of the Center’s major benefactors. He was an accomplished golfer, being a member of Oakwood Country Club for most of his life. He also was a member of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, for many years. Terry is survived by his brother Joe, Jr. (Juliana), of Atlanta, his brother Mick and his sister Sonia, both of Overland Park, his nephews Mickey Lerner, of Overland Park, and Mark Lerner (Sara) of Atlanta, and his niece Lauren Lerner, of Atlanta, and a grandniece, Caroline Lerner, of Atlanta. He also survived by his constant, and devoted, companion, Elece Cohen, of Overland Park, who attended him daily, and lovingly, throughout this serious illness. He was preceded in death by his dear parents and his beloved nephew, Joseph S. Lerner, III.