Terrence "Terry" J. Lidy (77) of Newton

Terrence “Terry” J. Lidy, beloved father and grandfather, passed away Sunday, November 22, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur, Illinois.

Arrangements are currently pending at the Crain Funeral Home, Newton. In memory of Terry, the family asks you make donations to Newton Athletic Boosters and St. Thomas Church and School. Online condolences may be left by clicking here.

Terry was born January 19, 1943 in Effingham, Illinois at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital to parents Leonard and Marie (Mammoser) Lidy. A long-time resident of Newton,  Terry had moved into Fairhaven’s nursing home in Decatur in 2019 to be near family. 

Terry was a parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton and a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree. Education was important to Terry. He was a proud graduate of Newton Community High School and went on to complete his Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Evansville.  A long-time teacher in the Jasper County Schools, Terry retired from teaching Optional Education for the Regional Superintendent’s Office in 2007. Terry loved all sports-especially watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball. Many knew Terry as a referee, umpire, coach for local sports, and most recently a sports reporter for the Newton Press Mentor. Terry and his late wife, Paula worked alongside to manage the sports information for the local paper for several years. If you didn’t see Terry on the sidelines reporting news, many also knew him as a local Wal-Mart greeter at the Olney store before he retired in 2014. He enjoyed reading and watching programs about history, especially WWII. He was an avid music lover and would often be found listening to music in his room at all times of the day.

Terry married the love of his life, Paula (Sill) Lidy October 30, 1976 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Olney. They had two children, Kara (Michael) Martino of Tinley Park, IL and Paul (Sarah) Lidy of Forsyth, IL. Terry had four grandchildren, who called him “Pops”: Dathan Lidy (12) and Kinsley Lidy (9) of Forsyth, and Daniel Martino (10) and Gianna Martino (5) of Tinley Park. Terry had one brother, John, sister-in-law Nancy Lidy of Fishers, IN and nephews John Vincent Lidy and George Allen Lidy. Terry had many cousins in the Island Grove area.

Terry was proceeded in death by his parents Leonard and Marie Lidy, his brother John Lidy, and his wife, Paula Lidy.