Terry Lee Natschke

Terry Lee Natschke, 82, of Lexington, South Carolina passed away June 24, 2026, at his residence in Lexington , South Carolina. He was born on July 26, 1943, in Watseka, Illinois to Orval and Bernadine (Cade) Natschke.

Terry joined the United States Navy at age 17 and proudly served for 24 years, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer Air Traffic Controller. Following his military career, he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from San Diego State University.

A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Terry enjoyed skydiving, flying helicopters, crop dusting, towing aerial advertising banners, and teaching aspiring pilots. Many remember “Cockroach Corner” at Brown Field in San Diego and his remarkable crash landing in the Pacific Ocean.

Terry is survived by his loving wife, Monica Natschke; children, Terry Natschke II, Virginia Nocon, and Rani Benskin; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by daughter, Nike Faye Natschke; parents, Orval and Bernadine Natschke; and brothers, Allan and Randy Natschke.