Wilkie “Wilk” L. Terry

Wilkie “Wilk” L. Terry, went to be with his Heavenly Father on May 5, 2026.  He was born on November 23, 1943, in Moulton, AL to the late Edmond and Christine (Letson) Terry, moving to Lafayette in 1949.

Wilk graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1961 and Purdue University and Ball State University with a master’s in education.  He taught Industrial Technology for 33 years with his first school in Plymouth, IN.  He moved back to Lafayette and taught at Tippecanoe Junior High School until it closed, at which time he taught at Sunnyside and Tecumseh Junior High Schools until his retirement.  Wilk coached football, basketball and wrestling.  He loved teaching and coaching; his desire was to help each student have a better life.

Wilk married his high school sweetheart, Sheryl “Sherry” Willis on February 12, 1965.  They enjoyed 62 years of being soulmates.  They enjoyed attending concerts, festivals, fairs, flea markets, Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR races.  Wilk’s favorite concert memory was meeting and shaking hands with “The man in Black” Johnny Cash.

He was a huge fan and supporter of Purdue Football; win or lose he was always cheering for the team.  When he was younger, he sold cokes and programs just to see the games.  While attending Purdue he played on the football team for one year.  Wilk was an avid fisherman and enjoyed his many fishing trips with his fishing buddies to Wisconsin, Minnesota and Canada.  His favorite activities were his daily Bible readings and sharing Jesus with others.

Wilk is survived by his wife Sheryl “Sherry”, brother and sister-in-law Pastor Ross (Roxie) Terry of Indianapolis, sister-in-law Twyla Willis of Walnut Creek, CA, many nieces, nephews and close friends.  Wilk was preceded in death by his brothers Jackie Terry, Edmond “Butch” Terry and mother-in-law Doris Willis.  Wilk was loved, respected and will be greatly missed.  “John 3:16”

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Pastor Ross Terry officiating.  Interment will be at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette, IN.  You may leave condolences and memories at www.soller-baker.com.