COLUMBUS
G. Terrence “Terry” Coriden, 76, of Columbus, passed from this life at 8:08 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Mr. Coriden was born January 29, 1947, in Hammond, Indiana, the son of John B. and Patricia Buring Coriden.
He married Kathleen “Kitty” Tighe April 28, 1973.
Terry graduated from Saint Francis High School in Sheraton-Naperville, Illinois, then attended Xavier University. Terry made Columbus, Indiana, his home in 1971, after graduating from the University of Toledo College of Law. Over the past fifty years, Terry served the people of Indiana in a number of different capacities at both the state and local levels. In 1971, Terry started Legal Services of Bartholomew, Brown, and Jackson Counties, a program that has provided legal aid to low-income families.
Terry was a member and past president of the Bartholomew County Bar Association, a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, and a former board member of the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum (ICLEF). Terry was a former board member of numerous local civic organizations including the Columbus Human Rights Commission, Family Services of Bartholomew County, and St. Bartholomew Parish Council. He was a Pro Bono Attorney for Bartholomew Area Legal Aid and Attorney for the Bartholomew County Fair Board. Terry also served as a board member of Kid’s Chance of Indiana, Inc., an organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities to children of people seriously injured in work-related accidents. He was on the Board of Directors of The College for Workers’ Compensation Lawyers since 2013 and was most recently serving as the Treasurer.
In 1974, Indiana Governor Bowen appointed Terry to the position of a Hearing Judge of the Workers’ Compensation Board of Indiana. Since then, Terry served under Indiana Governors Orr, Bayh, O’Bannon, Kernan, and Daniels and was Chairman of the Workers’ Compensation Board from 1992 until 2004. Terry served as a worker’s compensation judge for more than 30 years. He also served as City Attorney for Columbus, Indiana, from 1996 through 2004, and served as the City Utility Attorney in Columbus, Indiana, from 1996 through 2008.
In recognition of his civic work, Governors Orr, Bayh, O’Bannon, and Kernan each bestowed upon Terry the state’s highest distinction, the Sagamore of the Wabash.
Despite all of his professional accolades, Terry’s friends and family were the most important part of his life. In addition to his family and friends, Terry was an avid golfer, traveler, storyteller, sports fan, wine enthusiast and self-proclaimed gourmet chef. His quick wit, generosity and kindness will be missed by many.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years; son Tim (Ann) Coriden of Columbus; daughter, Erin (Bryan) Kendall of Columbus; grandchildren, Peter and Danny Coriden and Xander and Jace Kendall; and his brothers, Kevin (Nancy) Coriden of Kansas and John (Kathleen) Coriden of South Bend, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Ann Marie Carpenedo.
A Mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 1, 2023, at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church with Father Chris Wadelton officiating. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street and 10:00 a.m. to time of service Monday at the church. A rosary service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. A private graveside inurnment service will be held at Garland Brook Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kids Chance of Indiana.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com
