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Joseph Terrill Obituary
Joe was born March 21, 1933 in Ottawa, the son of Dr. Harold J. and Ruby (Wright) Terrill.
He graduated from Ottawa High School and the University of Kansas with a degree in Architecture.
He moved to Topeka and worked for Williamson, Loebsack & Associates Architects. He founded Horst & Terrill Architects in 1957 which then became Horst, Terrill & Karst Architects in 1960. He was involved in the design of numerous public buildings throughout the State of Kansas including the Kansas Expocentre, Topeka Shawnee County Public Library, Bales Organ Recital Hall at the University of Kansas Lied Center, and several schools and additions. He served as President of HTK from 1979 until his retirement in 1999.
He was a member of the American Institute of Architects, US Naval Air Reserve, Cosmopolitan Club of Topeka, Topeka Chamber of Commerce, Shawnee Country Club and served on the boards of the University of Kansas School of Architecture and the Florence Crittenden Home.
Joe was a dedicated and accomplished architect. He loved to travel, golf and spend time with his family and friends. Joe's greatest love was his family and he showed this every day and taught this to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who will continue his legacy.
Joe married Shirley Joyce McCracken on September 6, 1953. She died May 28, 2017. Survivors include daughters, Jennifer (Dave) Harpster, Stephanie (Jeffrey) Stromgren, all of Topeka, grandchildren, Whitney (Kyle) Smith, Jacob Harpster, Adin (Matthew) Selzer, Emily (Josh) Davis; and great-grandchildren, Sloane and Cannon Smith. He was also preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Pattie; and brother, Harold J. Terrill, Jr.
Memorial services will be held at 4:00 pm on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road. A reception will follow. Private family inurnment will be in the Highland Cemetery in Ottawa.
Memorial contributions may be made to KU Endowment-School of Architecture or Topeka Shawnee County Library Foundation, c/o Penwell-Gabel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road Topeka, Kansas 66614.
To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Terrill
6 Entries
September 29, 2017
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR DAD'S PASSING. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Jim & Suzanne Griffith
September 28, 2017
Joe was a top notch architect and operated a high quality firm. He had the respect of many local architects who were proud to call him a friend even when they were in competition. He set a high standard of services. He and Shirley were really good people that we all enjoyed being around. They loved their kids and will be missed by many of us. Our thoughts are with you Jennifer and Stephanie and your families.
Jack E. Koehlar
September 28, 2017
My condolences to the Terrell family.
I have fond memories of flying Joe and Glenn Karst around Kansas in the 1960s to look at construction sites. They were two fine gentlemen, businessmen, and architects.
Bill Rogenmoser
September 27, 2017
It was my pleasure to know Joe & Shirley (it's hard to think of one of them without the other, by the way) for about forty years, and they were just good people. Gracious, congenial, talented, passionate about work and family, and loyal are terms that describe them. They will be missed by many.
mark mertel
September 27, 2017
Joe and Shirley were two of the kindest people I ever met. I am very sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences, Mark Mertel
Phyllis Fast
September 26, 2017
Joe was the epitome of talent and professionalism. He and Shirley will be missed by many.
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