Terrance Donald Proko (76), of Houston, Texas, passed from this life on January 27, 2026. He was born on April 15, 1949, to Donald and Eileen Proko in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Terry was a man who lived a life of service and leadership- as an Eagle Scout and Scout Leader, coach, teacher, son, brother, father, and grandfather. From a young age, he believed in responsibility, teamwork, and helping others, values that guided him throughout his life.

Terry was raised by loving parents including his father who was a Marine and even lived in California for short time while his father served.  He was raised in Michigan and especially close to his younger brother and sister, Tom and Theresa, with whom he shared a childhood full of playing outside and games, often organized by Terry himself. He was a typical big brother that just always happened to win the games they played. He was active in Boy Scouts and regularly went to summer camp and earned his Eagle Scout at the age of 15.

Terry graduated from Fulton Middleton High School in 1967 where he played Varsity Football (a halfback all-star), Varsity Basketball (the shortest player and guard), Varsity Baseball (the starting shortstop), Varsity Track (100-yard dash) and played the trumpet in the band that was directed by his father. His senior year he was part of the team to win the District Football Championship.

Terry went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Central Michigan University. This led him to his career as a coach and physical education teacher for over 40 years where he always had the biggest and best field days.

It was in college that he met his wife Judy, and they were married on August 7, 1971. What began as a friendship in college grew into a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and many adventures together.  They started their adventures together and visited New Orleans and Dallas for their honeymoon.  They went on two European adventures, and they also traveled to Hawaii, Niagara Falls, Mackinac Island, and many camping trips at Silver Lake, Michigan and Okala, Florida. Terry and Judy loved cruising which included three Caribbean cruises and two on the Mississippi River.

He continued his adventures with his son Ben when he traveled the United States for a month during Ben's time on the Cavalier's, attended countless Boy Scout Camps in Texas, and even the Grand Canyon and Philmont. He attended all of Ben's races which took them all over Texas, and even Idaho and Hawaii.

He spent many times with his daughter Emily and his grandchildren with countless trips to zoos, San Antonio, amusement and water parks, and even Disney World.

As a teacher and a coach, he shaped countless lives, leading not just with knowledge, but with patience, integrity, and encouragement.  One of his greatest joys was watching his children and grandchildren- whether it was baseball and football games, soccer matches, countless races, dance recitals, band concerts, or marching band performances.  He rarely missed a moment, always cheering proudly from the stands and taking joy in every accomplishment.

Terry loved camping, the outdoors, games, sports (which he seemed to know all the rules of playing) especially football and baseball, and just being in nature. Whether around a campfire (making the world's best s'mores) on a field or simply outside enjoying the fresh air, he found joy in the simple moments and in sharing those experiences with the people he loved. He hiked the Smokey Mountains, with dreams of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail and wanted to sail around the world in his sailboat.

His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the family he loved so deeply.

Those left to cherish his memories are: his wife Judy, his son Ben and daughter-in-law Katie and grandchildren Lindsey and Clara, his daughter Emily and son-in-law Brad and grandchildren Kaitlyn and Barrett, his brother Tom and sister-in-law Jan and nephew Shawn, his sister Theresa and niece Amber, several aunts and uncles, and many cousins.


He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother-in-law Brad.


Service information:
Visitation
Monday, February 2nd  5 pm – 8 pm
Klein Funeral Home
1400 West Main
Tomball, Texas 77375

Funeral Mass
Tuesday, February 3rd  10:30
Prince of Peace Catholic Church
19222 TX-249
Houston, TX 77070