Terry Ronald West

August 15, 1936 - March 4, 2025

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Central Presbyterian Church

31 N 7th St.

Lafayette, IN 47901

A celebration of life will be held later in the spring at Central Presbyterian Church

Terry Ronald West, 88, of West Lafayette, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Cumberland Pointe Health Campus.

He was born August 15, 1936, in St. Louis, MO, to the late Eckard and Bessie (Enloe) West.

Terry graduated from Cleveland High School in St. Louis, MO. He received two undergraduate degrees and a Master’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis and another Master’s and a PhD (1966) from Purdue University in Civil Engineering & Engineering Geology, respectively. All by age 30.

On August 10, 1957, he married Shirley Mueller in St. Louis, MO. They were married 67 years.

Terry was a Full Professor at Purdue University in the Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences Dept. before retiring at age 85, after 61 years at Purdue. He was then, the oldest full-time Professor. Some of his proudest professional moments were authoring a key Engineering Geology textbook and serving as the Major Professor to 88 graduate students during his tenure.

Terry was honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Frank O’Bannon in recognition for his contributions to education at Purdue University and the State of Indiana. He was a long-standing member and tireless advocate for the Association of Engineering Geologists. He held the President post, sponsored scholarships and even convinced Shirley to travel to meetings. Terry was a proud Rotarian past President who contributed to the Lafayette Club well into his 80’s. He considered Central Presbyterian Church his religious home where he was active for over 50 years.

Terry was a Purdue multi-sport season ticket holder and enjoyed everything about his beloved Boilermakers. He was known as an avid reader and enthusiastic traveler. He came alive seeing new places and having opportunities to teach and mentor students in his field. Terry leaves an extensive legacy in the students he inspired.

Surviving is his wife, Shirley West of West Lafayette, IN, a daughter, Jill (David) Duncan of Richardson, TX, a son, Matthew (Cheri) West of Hinsdale, IL and grandchildren Nicholas West and Caroline West of Chicago, IL who will all miss him dearly.

A celebration of life will be held later in the spring at Central Presbyterian Church, 31 North 7th Street Lafayette, with Rev. Will Reinowski officiating.

Terry cared deeply about assisting students and memorial contributions may be made to the Purdue for Life Foundation with designation to the Terry R. West Scholarship- designation number 010388. Donations may be initiated using designation details through connect.purdue.edu.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Robert and Mary Ann Cavallo

Ellen Wray Wilkinson

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Central Presbyterian Church

31 N 7th St.

Lafayette, IN 47901

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A celebration of life will be held later in the spring at Central Presbyterian Church

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Terry Ronald West, 88, of West Lafayette, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Cumberland Pointe Health Campus. He was born August 15, 1936, in St. Louis, MO, to the late Eckard and Bessie (Enloe) West. Terry graduated from Cleveland High School in St. Louis, MO. He received two undergraduate degrees and a Master’sContinue Reading

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So very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers

Dear Shirley and family of Terry: I first met Terry as the Purdue professor who drove his students from Purdue to Chicago to attend the monthly Association of Environmental and Engineering Geology meetings. That was in 1992, and he had been connecting his students with working professionals for many years before that and continued until just a few years ago. He was dedicated to his students and to engineering geology. A great teacher, contributor, author, and friend. We send our condolences to Terry's family; we won't forget Terry! Patty and Tim Bryan

Terry was a wonderful man.. A great geologist and really nice person.

Dearest Shirley, so sad to read about Terry's passing. With my late wife Ena we had lots of laughs together. I was honored when Terry asked me to lecture at Purdue and you hosted us in your beautiful home. And what fun at the Harvest Moon fall festival. God bless you and your family.

Terry was a neighbor for 30 years and a wonderful friend.My wife and I shared many great travel adventures with Terry and his wife Shirley. My sympathies to Shirley and her family. Grief is for the survivors and I rejoice that Terry in already in Heaven with God! What could be better for him?🙏

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We know Dr. West only through his daughter, Jill, and her brother, Matt. Based on their stories, Dr. West has had an enormous impact on both of them, as well as his students and the people he touched in his life, career, and travels. We are sorry that we missed the opportunity to meet him prior to his ultimate journey. But we're sure he is keeping the angels entertained! Our condolences to Jill, Matt, and those close to Dr. West.

Terry and I co-taught a capstone environmental geosciences course at Purdue and worked together with many students and on several committees. He made such a difference to so many students and colleagues with his knowledge, kindness, and amazing network of academic and industry connections in engineering geology. Terry was a mentor and role model for many, and I know that this was one of his proudest achievements outside of his family. A loss and a life well lived.

My condolences for Dr. West's family. He was my advisor during my time at Purdue and a wonderful guide for my education and career

Shirley, Matt, Jill and all the West family, My most sincere condolences on the passing of Terry. He was such a warm and smart person. I have very fond memories of him from growing up in WL. I know he was revered by his students, and loved by his family. He'll be greatly missed. Dennis and Deirdre

Shirley, We send our condolences and hugs to you on the death of your husband. Will pray for you. Janet

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.