Terry L. Gallion, M.D., 60, of Leawood, Kansas, died July 29, 2018, of colorectal cancer. He is survived by his wife, Sue Lowell Gallion, his daughter, Katherine Gallion, his son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Becca Gallion, two grandsons, Jackson and Benjamin Gallion, his sister and brother-in-law, Tammy and Steve Hill of Plano, Texas, his five nieces and nephews, his dog, Tucker, and extended family and friends.

Terry was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1957 to Bettie Jo (Wall) and Jay Gallion. He graduated from Southern Methodist University with a B.S. in chemistry in 1979. Terry and Sue met at SMU and married in 1983. Their son, Matt, was born in 1988 and their daughter, Katherine, was born in 1992.

Terry earned his M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, in 1982. He continued his training there with a five-year residency in general surgery and a two-year residency in thoracic surgery. He trained under Dr. Michael E. DeBakey and Dr. George L. Jordan, Jr., among others.

Terry’s training and his years of practice were characterized by attention to detail. His dedication to his patients continued throughout their pre- and post-operative care. He valued the work and expertise of all the members of his surgical team. He appreciated his long-time partners and medical colleagues.

Among those who knew him well, Terry was legendary for his dry wit. He was a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, friend, and neighbor. He enjoyed attending all of his family’s activities and supported them in their interests.

Terry was interested in anything to do with cars, particularly Camaros and Corvettes, and enjoyed his friendships with other “car guys. He also was a fan of sports car racing. Terry loved riding his bicycle and followed cycling, particularly Le Tour de France. He loved snow skiing, water skiing, swimming, working out at the gym, and traveling with his family. Some of his family’s favorite memories are of their vacations together to Yellowstone and other national parks, Alaska, Hawaii, and their ski trips in Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Canada.

Following his training in Houston, Terry practiced surgery for two years in Napa, California. The family moved to Leawood when he joined Thoracic and Vascular Surgeons in private practice in the Kansas City area in 1992. Throughout his career he practiced primarily at Centerpoint, Menorah, Baptist, Independence Regional, and Research hospitals. He was a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of The Michael E. DeBakey International Surgical Society. Terry was board certified in general surgery, thoracic surgery, and critical care.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 4, at 2 p.m. at Colonial Presbyterian Church, 9500 Wornall, Kansas City, Missouri, with a reception following at the church.

Per Terry’s request, instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Rd. Kansas City, Missouri 64137; Heart of America Council of Boy Scouts of America (please designate as Terry Gallion memorial), 10210 Holmes Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64131-4212, Colonial Presbyterian Church, 9500 Wornall, Kansas City, Missouri 64114, or the charity of your choice.

Thank you so much to family, friends, neighbors, and the medical professionals who have supported Terry and all of us with such care since his diagnosis with rectal cancer in December 2013. We appreciate your prayers, your understanding, and your kindness.

II Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

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