In Loving Memory of Terry West
Terry Wayne West passed from this earth on June 6, 2026 at his home, surrounded by family, after a years long battle with cancer.
Terry was born in Ada, OK, on July 3, 1938, to Carl and Marie West. The family lived, and Terry was raised in Francis, OK, just North of Ada. He graduated from Francis High School in 1956 at the top of his class (which was not too difficult given that there were nine students in the class and his mother was the teacher). Terry attended East Central University before transferring to the University of Oklahoma. While at ECU, Terry also served as Editor of the Ada Evening News. In January 1959, Terry enlisted in the Army reserves. He later attended the University of Tulsa's night law school program, graduating in 1966, while working for the Aetna Insurance Company during the day. Terry often commented that he did not see Brad awake until he was 3 years old. While at TU, Terry served as managing editor of the Tulsa Law Review
While in law school, Terry met Charles Henry, father of Governor Brad Henry, and upon graduating, the two moved their families to Shawnee and, on February 2nd, 1967, opened the law firm of Henry and West. Over the years, Terry mentored many Oklahoma attorneys, some of whom have gone on to become District Court Judges, Appellate Court judges (both state and Federal), and Oklahoma Supreme Court Justices.
Terry was a member of the Oklahoma Association for Justice (formerly the Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association) since 1968 and served as the organization's President twice (1973 and 1988). He was a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He served on the Board of Governors of the Oklahoma Bar Association from 1987-1989, has twice served on the Judicial Nominating Commission, and was appointed by the Oklahoma Supreme Court to serve on three standing committees.
In addition to his career as a trial lawyer, Terry provided decades of public service at the state and local level. He was a lifetime trustee of Sarkeys Foundation, an organization that has provided more than $120 million to Oklahoma nonprofits since its founding in 1962. During his time as a trustee, he helped the foundation award more than $113.5 million to nonprofits across Oklahoma. As a proud supporter of his hometown, Terry also helped direct more than $400,000 in grants to nonprofits serving the Shawnee community.
In 2019, UT College of Law opened the Terry West Civil Legal Clinic, which offers wide-ranging experiential learning opportunities for UT law students in public service law, including housing, consumer affairs, education, healthcare, and issues affecting veterans. In 2022, Terry was inducted into the University of Tulsa Law School Hall of Fame.
But far outweighing all of his professional accomplishments was Terry's love for his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, his son, Bart, his ex-wife, Phyllis, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Terry leaves behind three children, Brad West, Sabrina West, and Brigette Parrott (Jeff); daughter-in-law, Kim West; grandchildren, Delaney (Jeremiah), Gabrielle, and Jaxon; and two great-grandchildren, Macyn and Rylan. He also leaves behind one of the greatest loves of his life, Marcia Crook, and his favorite cousin, June Boggs.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Shawnee Salvation Army, the Stephenson Cancer Center, or the Terry West Civil Legal Clinic at The University of Tulsa College of Law.