Rev. Dr. Terry J. West, Sr.

June 24, 1949 ~ March 24, 2025 (age 75)

The Rev. Dr. Terry J. West, Sr. began his purpose-driven life on June 24, 1949, in South Bend, Indiana. Born the ninth of twelve children to Silas West, Sr. and Annie Jones West (Vinson). From the beginning, his life was guided by a deep sense of purpose, marked by faith and a commitment to serving others.

A 1967 graduate of James W. Riley High School (South Bend, IN), Rev. West’s commitment to duty was immediately evident through his decorated service in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. His valor earned him numerous honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with
device, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. This dedication extended beyond active duty, recognized later by the 30th Annual NAACP Armed Services and Veteran Affairs Award, highlighting a lifelong commitment to advocacy and equity.

Driven by a desire to lead and inspire, Rev. West pursued a distinguished academic career, earning a Bachelor of Science in Public and Environmental Affairs from Indiana University, a Bachelor of Science in Theology and a Doctor of Divinity from Hopkinsville College of the Bible, and a Master of Science in Organizational Communications from Murray State University. These academic achievements equipped him for a life of leadership and ministry.

His divine commission led him to the pulpit, where in 1976, he accepted the call to pastor Sixth Street Missionary Baptist Church in Paducah, KY. Through his visionary leadership, a new sanctuary was birthed—Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church—where he pastored for 11 years. Though his vocational journey led him across
the country, he remained steadfast in his spiritual devotion, ultimately finding his church home in 2002 with Rev. Dr. Archie L. Ivy and his family at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Milwaukee, WI. There, he served with distinction as: Associate Minister, Special Assistant to the Pastor, Assistant Christian Education Coordinator, Advisor to Associate Ministers, member of the Brotherhood (Men’s Ministry) and Chair of the Veterans Day Committee. His service extended to the American Baptist Churches (ABC) of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin General Baptist State Convention, the Congress of Christian, and his local community through Hands Across America.

Terry’s lifelong passion for mentoring, serving, and molding the lives of our nation’s youth led him to a distinguished career in public service, including roles as a Juvenile Probation Officer, Supervisor for Mental Health/Rehabilitation, and Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club. He dedicated 20 years to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, as the Director of multiple Federal Job Corps Centers, including: Whitney Young (Louisville, KY), Blackwell (Laona, WI), Ouachita (Hot Springs, AK), Golconda (Golconda, IL), North Texas (McKinney, TX), Grand Rapids (Grand Rapids, MI). He was honored to work in four National Forests: Shawnee, Nicolet, Ouachita, and Superior. His unwavering commitment to justice led him to pivotal roles with USDA as the Equal Employment Opportunity Manager, Director of Civil Rights, and Special Assistant to the Regional Forester for Cultural Transformation Eastern Region, USDA Forest Service, in Milwaukee, WI. Upon his retirement in 2013, he left an enduring legacy of ethical leadership and dedicated service.

Rev. West's legacy of faith and service will be cherished by his surviving son, Terry West, Jr. (Kande) of Westerville, OH; sisters Lestene Pettus of Fort Wayne, IN, Maxine Heiremann of Kennesaw, GA, Patricia West of New Port Richey, FL; brother Kenneth West, Sr. (Andrea) of Chula Vista, CA, along with a vast network of nieces, nephews, spiritual brethren, colleagues, and friends who were enriched by his wisdom, integrity, and compassionate spirit.

On March 24, 2025, in Milwaukee, WI, Rev. Dr. Terry J. West, Sr. concluded his impactful tenure on earth, entering eternal rest. He was preceded in death by his parents, Silas, Sr. and Annie Mae West, and siblings Earlene Kilgore, Linda Green, Herman West, Nolan Lee West, Silas West Jr., Clinton Ray West, and Dan West, Sr.

Rev. Dr. Terry J. West, Sr. dedicated his life to serving others with exceptional purpose, strategic vision, and unwavering faith. His leadership transcended sectors, leaving an enduring mark on the military, ministry, community development, and federal service. A builder of institutions and a mentor to many, Rev. Dr. West was a tireless advocate for justice, impacting countless lives and creating positive change. His legacy of service will continue to inspire.

Funeral services are Saturday, April 5, 2025. Visitation is 10-11am and services begin at 11am at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 2433 W Roosevelt Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53209. Visitation services are Tuesday, April 8, 2025 @ 11am-Noon at Alford’s Mortuary, 1222 Napier St, South Bend, IN 46601. Processional immediately following at Riverview Cemetery, 2300 Portage Avenue, South Bend, IN 46616.

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:23. 

4/03/2025 djb

https://www.alfordsmortuaryinc.com/obituary/RevDrTerry-WestSr