Terrance Edward Elko, Sr.

Terrance Edward Elko, Sr., (74), of Westfield, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on February 12, 2023.

Terry (T Senior as he was referred to by his family; Papaw-With-The-Puppies to his grandkids; and “just” dad) is survived by his ex-wife Cheryl Elko and their two children, TJ (Terry Jr.) Elko and Sarah (Elko) Magee, grandkids Emma Elko and Jakob Poore, and sister Susan Elko.  Terry was preceded by his parents, Edward and Louise Elko, and older sister Judy.

Terry was born and raised in Streator, IL and graduated from Streator HS in 1966.  In high school Terry was on the bowling team and liked to golf, two activities he continued throughout his life.  After graduation he moved to Indianapolis, IN to attend Lane Technical College where he completed an Associate degree in Architectural Drafting.  Late in 1968, Terry answered the call of his country when he was drafted into the United States Army.  He entered service in February of 1969, and after completing his basic training, was sent to fight in Vietnam as a combat infantryman.  Terry arrived in-country on July 20, 1969; he liked to say that as they were stepping foot on the moon, he was stepping foot on the battlefield.  Terry served with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division.  If you have seen the Mel Gibson movie We Were Soldiers that was his unit, just a few years prior to his tour of duty.  Thankfully, Terry completed his combat tour of duty without physical injury and received an Honorable Discharge.  For his service he was awarded a Bronze Star, The Air Medal, Air Assault Badge, and multiple other awards and commendations.

After being discharged from service, Terry moved back to Indiana to pick up where he had left off.  He began work as a draftsman, quickly moved into an engineering role and, finally, settled on a career in the HVAC industry.  During this time Terry made many friends in the industry, many that have lasted through the years and into retirement.  Terry married Cheryl and they had two children, TJ in 1974 and Sarah in 1978.  They built a house in Westfield and moved in August of 1978.  Terry was an amazing father that was active in the lives of his children, whether that was coaching little league, helping with school assignments, or passing on his love of animals to them.  Terry loved his large breed dogs (bigger the better) that included Dutchess (Mastiff/Shepherd), Mini (Mastiff/Anatolian Shepherd…she was not mini), and now Catalina (a German Shepherd; nicknamed Cat by dad…see what he did there?).  They were all rescues, all of them were perfect for him in their own way, and all of them were spoiled beyond belief.  If you talked with him more than a minute, there was a very good chance you would hear a story about his current loyal companion.  It’s comforting to know Dutchess and Mini were there to greet him and welcome him home once again.

Terry continued to live in the house he built until his death.  That small neighborhood, and especially his house, are the only things that look unchanged to me about the Westfield where my sister and I grew up.  And, as much as I wanted nothing more than to get out of there growing up, it was always so comforting to come back in later years to that mostly unchanged home, especially with my own kids.  The one unchanging constant in a sometimes-chaotic life.  That was dad.  A constant.  And we will constantly miss him.

Message from the family:

To everyone that called dad a friend, thank you.  If he “gave you sh*t” (his term), I hope you gave it back; that was his way and one of the biggest things I will miss about not having him around.  Dad was very generous and supported several charities including The DAV, Adopt a Platoon, Salvation Army, Indy Humane, ASPCA, Wheeler Mission, American Legion, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, National Kidney Foundation, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital, to name a few.  Please pick one in his honor and help carry on where he is leaving off.

If you plan to attend his Celebration of Life please note the following details:

• Casual comfortable is the dress code of the day because T Senior was not fancy, did not enjoy dressing up, and you shouldn’t have to either.
• No cover charge, but please bring a story or memory to share during his Celebration of Life!
• In lieu of flowers, please consider picking one of his charities listed above to support.

Sincerest thanks,

The Elko Family