Terry W. Kossman

              Terry W. Kossman, 69, of Shippenville, formerly of Oil City, passed away peacefully at home on Friday night, June 27, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer. 

                He was born on December 13, 1955 in Franklin to the late William and Doris Kossman.  He was a 1973 graduate of Franklin High School. 

                He married Karen McClure on September 25, 1978, and she survives. 

               Terry worked many years for Country Fair, working his way up to store manager, then area manager, and finally, fulfilling his dream of working for himself, owning his own franchise. Following that, Terry spent time as a courier and independent contractor until his retirement.

               He had many hobbies. Terry was an early adopter of fantasy football, back in the pre-Internet days with his son Chris, where everything was done with his felt tip pen, notepad, and newspaper. He also enjoyed games of all kinds, from casino and online gambling to strategy-based games like chess, Risk, and Stratego. He loved playing and tracking the stock market and would share that knowledge of investing and financial responsibility with his loved ones. You would always find him watching as much football as he could every Sunday, and the food was always good, especially when Karen would make her special Rueben sandwiches. Every Christmas, Terry would “insist” that the family watch the classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life”, usually more than once. We will all be eagerly listening for the next time a bell rings, this time for him. Terry was a great man, a loving father, and a cherished friend.

                In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Mike Kossman of Fertigs, Melissa Beichner (Tom) of Oil City, and Christopher Kossman and his wife Kelly of Shippenville; and his grandchildren: Haley (Keri) Kossman, Niklos Kossman, Tori Beichner, all of Ohio, Cody and Kassi Beichner of Oil City, and Kendall and Cooper Kossman of Shippenville. 

                Terry is also survived by his brothers, Scott (Denise) Kossman, and John Kossman, of Franklin; and his lifelong friends Kevin Beichner and Eugene Ray. 

                In addition to his parents, he was recently preceded in death by a dear sister-in-law, Bonnie Neely; and a nephew, Joseph Neely. 

                Visitation will be held Tuesday (July 1) from 4 - 7 p.m. in Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, where a funeral service will follow Tuesday at 7 p.m., officiated by Pastor David McVay.  Private interment will be made in the Franklin Cemetery. 

                Memorial contributions may be made to the Clarion-Forest V.N.A. Hospice, 271 Perkins Rd., Clarion PA  16214.

                To express online condolences to Terry’s family, visit www.hilebest.com

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