Terry L Mullens

Terry “T” Lee Mullens

A life is made up of two dates and the dash between them. The dates mark when we arrive and when we leave; the dash is where a life is lived. Terry "T" Mullens made the most of his dash: a testament of Love and Zest for Life!

On October 14, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with illness, T was called home to the eternal presence of God, a hero's reward. Born in Portsmouth, Ohio, on October 14, 1955, to Milo and Elizabeth Mullens. As a proud Cherokee Indian, T lived his life fully committed to his heritage, while sharing the Cherokee culture with others, adamantly doing his part in keeping the knowledge passed on in today's world.

He was a 3rd degree black belt in Karate, Ninjutsu, Judo, Ninja, and Tai Kwan Do. In addition to competing in national competitions, T also traveled and trained with many martial artists.

Due to his fascination with airplanes and aviation, he worked many air shows throughout his life after being trained extensively in pyrotechnics.

T was a proud and dedicated employee of Kenworth of Chillicothe for 11 years, before he retired.

His life encompassed such a vast array of experiences that he could connect with almost everyone he encountered, finding common ground through the stories he shared and the life he had lived.

A graduate of Valley High School in 1974, T was an avid scuba diver, a traveler and explorer, and a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast. He rode three Harley-Davidson motorcycles over the years and was a proud member of the Lost Tribe Motorcycle Club. Yet for all the miles he traveled, the greatest part of his life was the family and friends who shared the journey with him.

On June 2, 1994, T married Jacqueline Sue “Jacki” Hafer, the love of his life and shared 33 wonderful years together, along with the marriage, T was giving a new adventure that he grown extremely proud of: becoming the proud stepfather of Angel (Michael) Altman of Lucasville and Adam (Gene) Days of Chillicothe, whose lives were greatly enriched by him being their "Pop."

As a further testimony to his devotion to his children, he became friends with the children's father, who respected and appreciated T's love and treatment of the kids.

T and Jacki treasured the life they built together and the time they spent traveling, exploring, taking cruises, and making memories as a family--especially when T was surrounded by his family during holidays and get-togethers.

T was a proud and devoted “Papaw” to his grandchildren: Cody (Becca) Altman, Amber Altman, and Gavin (Keanu) Days. His joy grew even more with the arrival of his great-grandchildren, Gunnar and Harley Days. He loved his family deeply, and they knew how much they mattered to him. Papaw T was so active in each of their lives, that these children forgotten the title of "step" grandfather. To them, he will always be their Papaw Mullens.

T's circle of loved ones includes his sister, Cheryl (Frank) Roberts; his sister-in-law, Kelly Mullens (Larry); and his nieces, Lacy (Terry) Stevenson and Bethany (Marc) Thacker, Kelly (Anthony) Gordon, Kristen Roberts, Brian (Alyssa) Roberts, and many great-nephews and nieces; as well as, and nephews Aaron Duncan and Brian Duncan.

He will also be remembered with deep gratitude by the close friends who stood by him in his final days: Dave and Hilda Arledge, and Troy (Loctite) Pennington.

His faithful pup, Trixie, will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milo and Elizabeth Mullens; his brother, Larry Mullens; and his sister, Kim Mullens.

On his weekend, even the weather seemed to grieve with those who loved him, as a gentle drizzle fell, opening into a beautiful sunrise on the morning of his passing. The rain could not measure the loss, but it seemed to say what so many hearts felt.

T leaves behind more than memories. He leaves the feeling of being loved by someone who showed up, lived fully, and made the people around him part of his adventure. He will be missed as a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend—and remembered by all who knew him as someone they were lucky to have met. Even without a cape or mask, this Hero saved the lives of those who loved him from the way he was there for them and showed them how to live.

T was a man of simple principles: Integrity, Kindness, and Perseverance. He will be forever missed yet his legacy will touch and impact the lives of many that will never meet this hero.

Services will be held at Haller Funeral Home in Chillicothe, Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 3:00 pm, with visiting hours from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Instead of flowers, T's family would love to see donations be given to the local charities in Ross County that make a lasting impact on the lives of others. A small token of T's lasting legacy.