Valley Oil Company,
US Army National Guard
May 27, 1936 — March 11, 2025
Donald Veghte Terhune, who grew up in Blawenburg and remained a big part of the Blawenburg Reformed Church his whole life, died peacefully at his home on March 11. He was 88.
Born on May 27, 1936, in Somerville, NJ, he was the much cherished, only son of the late Garret V. and Esther E. (Brokaw) Terhune. Don was a lifelong resident of Somerset County, and had resided on his Sourland Mountain property in Hillsborough since 1964.
Don married Ethel A. Stott in 1964 and serendipitously, the property he had always admired had been placed for sale. Serendipity Farm was born. Don spent more than 60 years repairing, painting, building, creating, mowing, chopping, planting, and loving on his property.
Don spent his life in the Sourland Mountains. As a boy he worked locally on neighboring farms gathering hay and milking cows. He apprenticed with Norm Hoagland and learned the craft of lettering and sign painting. Don also spent time with the road maintenance crew in Montgomery Township.
When he rescued and returned an abandoned Nassau Oil truck from the snow drifts, that led to a job offer with their company. He had a skill for all things mechanical and earned his HVAC certification from Lincoln Tech during his 10-year tenure. Hard work, honesty, and integrity led to the creation in 1970 of Valley Oil Company, from which Don retired at the age of 80.
Don loved all things mechanical, especially those with wheels. He carefully restored his 1950 Ford and enjoyed sharing it with the Ford Flathead Club, car shows, and his family. His extensive collection of clocks was lovingly wound every Sunday afternoon. He greatly enjoyed his collection of John Deere tractors and Ford Mustang cars; tractor shows and putt-putt exhibits were favorite activities.
The turfed grass in his yard was forgiven as his grandchildren enjoyed dirt bikes and go carts.
Don was also a proud member of the US Army National Guard, serving from 1954 to 1964 as part of the 122nd Armored Division, specializing in field artillery. His service was a source of pride throughout his life and something he passed down to his family.
He was certainly proud of the service to country that his family gave to the Air Force, Army Reserves, and the Marine Corps.
Confirmed at Blawenburg Reformed Church in 1953, Don continued to devote his time and energy as a deacon and volunteer caretaker of the church properties, including cemetery maintenance. He used his lettering and sign-painting skills for numerous signs around the property. His faith was an integral part of his daily life.
There was often little time for travel opportunities in the early years of growing a business and raising a young family. However, Don found the joy of Disney World, skiing, fishing trips in Canada, traveling to all 50 states and Canada in his motorhome, trips to the Jersey Shore with dear friends, overseas trips to England, Spain, and Holland, and of course trips to the farm in Danville.
Don experienced a fitting final day on God's Earth. He was able to sit on his Gator and explore his property as it gave subtle signs of Spring. As he was driven to each corner of the yard, he admired but also gave copious notes of the projects that needed to be completed!
Donald V. Terhune will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, love for his dear friends, hard work, and deep commitment to his community. His kind spirit and positive influence will leave a lasting impact on all who were fortunate to know him.
In addition to his beloved wife, Ethel (Stott) Terhune, he is survived by his children, Amber (Terhune) Matyi and her spouse Tom Wynkoop, Tera (Terhune) Rees and her spouse Tom Rees, and Esther (Terhune) Jovolos and her spouse Greg Jovolos; his grandchildren, Arden Matyi, Garret Rees, Rachel (Matyi) Bielic and her spouse Matthew Bielic, Blake Rees, Morgan Rees, Gregory Jovolos, and Landen Jovolos; his beloved nephews, Roger and Sandy Binger, Kenneth and Susan Binger, and Douglas and Jackie Franolich; his great nephews and nieces, Glen and Amanda Binger and son, Graham, Todd and Melanie Binger, Betsy and Eric Pendergast and daughter, Rhya, Lucas Binger, Jayce Franolich, and Matthew Franolich; as well as his beloved personal caregiver Sam.
Funeral services took place on March 15 at the Blawenburg Reformed Church followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall. Memorial donations be made to The Blawenburg Church Cemetery, c/o Blawenburg Church, P.O. Box 266, Blawenburg, NJ 08504.
Cremation services and arrangements were entrusted to the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit his memorial page below at www.holcombefisher.com.
