Terry L. Ortman

Terry L. Ortman, 82, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away on June 2, 2026, at his home. Born July 8, 1943, in Columbia, PA, he was a son of the late Paul V. and Ruth Herman Ortman.

Terry was a 1961 graduate of Penn Manor High School in Millersville, PA. He earned his bachelor’s degree from American University in Washington, DC, in 1965 and then served in the United States Peace Corps in Adana, Turkey, from 1965 to 1967. Following his time in the Peace Corps, Terry earned a master’s degree in education from Millersville University in 1972 and later began doctoral studies at the University of North Dakota. While working on his master’s degree and doctoral studies, Terry was employed as a elementary teacher from 1967 to 1987 in Eastern Lancaster County School District. Terry was attending Antrim Brethren in Christ Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher.

His faith was always at the forefront of his life and was a driving factor in his life story. Terry served with Big Brothers of Lancaster County from 1972 to 1978. He also served as director and a board member of Old Mill Bible Camp, Boy Scouts of America Troop 172 in Terre Hill, from 1979 to 1987, and with CBM Ministries (Camp Joy-El) from 1987 to 2004. He served as spiritual director at Central Manor Camp Meeting and as a children’s Bible teacher. From 2004 to the present, Terry served with SEA Ministries in Gettysburg, PA. He wrote biblically based curriculum for school use in 2006, translated it into Spanish in 2008, and it was used throughout his global missions. During his ministry, Terry traveled as a missionary to more than 40 countries, teaching educators and church leaders and holding day camps, Vacation Bible School programs, and educational demonstrations.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Doris Hess Ortman, whom he married on May 24, 1969; his daughter Takia Cary of Hagerstown, MD; and numerous extended family members and friends. Aside from his parents, Terry was preceded in death by his brother, Denton Ortman.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Antrim Brethren in Christ Church, 24 Kauffman Road E, Chambersburg, PA 17202. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM prior to the service. In addition, there will be a funeral service at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Central Manor Church, 387 Penn St., Washington Boro, PA 17582. Friends will be received on Saturday from 9:00 to 11:00 AM prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow the Saturday service in Washington Boro Church of God Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SEA Ministries at faithwalk.org or to Central Manor Camp Meeting at centralmanorcamp.org. Services in Chambersburg are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home. Condolences and memories may be shared at geiselfuneralhome.com.