Terry Milton Persinger

TERRY MILTON PERSINGER Jun. 19, 1946 – Sept. 1, 2025

The life of Terry Milton Persinger was one filled with family, service, and a zest for life.

Born Jun. 19, 1946, alongside his twin, Tim, to Harriet and Milton Persinger, Terry grew up in a crowded house with 13 siblings as one of 7 boys, and 7 girls.

As a kid in Lancaster, he loved sports, especially the Dodgers. He enjoyed playing baseball in the Babe Ruth League with Tim. He made the All-Stars his first two years and was so proud when he saw his name on the roster printed in the A.V. Press.

At 14, he got his first job as a dishwasher at Waldrip’s Cafe. The family moved to Bakersfield in 1963, and after graduating from Foothill High School, he began his life of service by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1965, which included a tour of duty in Vietnam.

As a Vet, Terry then worked a few different jobs, including at Tehachapi Prison, the Carnation Company, and as a delivery driver for Larson’s Dairy. Coincidentally, his occupation on his daughter Trisha’s birth certificate is listed as, you guessed it: Milk Man.

In 1973, he followed in the footsteps of his father-in-law, Frank Bauer, and continued his public service by joining the Kern County Fire Department, where he would go on to have an exemplary 28-year career. Terry loved his work with KCFD, and the lifelong friendships made. He enjoyed his work as a dozer operator, at the training center, and managing ECC. He finished his career as a captain at Sta. 78 in Twin Oaks.

Twin Oaks held a special place in Terry’s heart, as that is where his wife of 42 years, Linda Bauer, was raised. They met just after his military service ended. They married on Nov. 16, 1968. Together, they had two children, Trisha and Frank; however, their home was always open and filled with friends and family who were visiting or just needed a place to stay. Their love for one another was unparalleled, and when she passed in 2011, he lived the rest of his years heartbroken but filled with the happiness he received from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Through the years, they also spent time managing the ranch known as Bauerville. As retirement neared, they moved there from Bakersfield. Later, the ranch became known as T&L Ranch and hosted the yearly Persinger Family Reunion, drawing over 150 family and friends. The annual gathering featured his famous deep-pit BBQ, Texas Hold’em, and a gut-busting talent show. Terry also enjoyed participating in the Piute Mountain School PTC with Trisha, helping to fund many events and projects.

Early in his retirement, Terry loved running cattle and could be heard while driving his pick-up truck loaded with hay, calling, “Come on, bull,” which brought the cattle running from near and far.

Terry loved cooking but became especially fond of baking. He attended several bread and pastry classes at the San Francisco Baking Institute. When his son-in-law, Mark, would rise at 2 a.m. to smoke a brisket, Terry would join him with a cup of coffee, and loved being the official taste tester. He also perfected his own BBQ sauce, which he called Papa’s Burnt Ends.

Terry loved listening to the Eagles, Neil Young, and the Beatles (he particularly enjoyed singing & playing "Rocky Raccoon" on his Martin guitar).

But it was his love of family, especially his grandchildren —Brandon, Jared, Baylee & Spencer —and his great-grandchildren, Logan, Emma, Rosemary, & Rebekah, that made him beam with joy. He loved the holidays and always made sure there were plenty of decorations and gifts for the kids. On the ranch, he enjoyed giving the grandkids a ride on his John Deere. In the last few years, he continued the thrill for his great grandkids on his scooter, and walker.

Terry will be dearly missed by his twin, Tim & wife Judy; brother Lanny Persinger & wife Deborah; and sisters Shirley Neher, Pam Mowry, Dy Wade, and Susie & husband Phil Vartanian, as well as his kids, grandkids & great grandkids, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.