Ben Terry Westervelt
Ben Terry Westervelt, 87, passed away on February 24, 2025. Terry was born in Pekin, Illinois, to Leona and Henry Westervelt. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Jack Westervelt and Kay Hayes and survived in death by the love of his life and wife of over 65 years, Jean Westervelt (Davis), his daughters: Susan King (Roger) and Shelly McMahon (Robert), five grandchildren: Bo McMahon, Amy McMahon Schwab (Mike), Katie King Stritz (George), Jenna King, and Jake McMahon (Clayton), and seven great-grandchildren: Laylah McMahon, Blake Schwab, Robbie McMahon, Aubree Schwab, Kenna Stritz, Ella Stritz, and Georgie Stritz…and his beloved dog, Charlie. His family was his greatest joy, which was evident by how his face lit up whenever they were around.
Terry worked at the Quaker Oats Paper Plant in Pekin, Illinois, before owning two businesses: Deep Rock Gas Station and Southland Bar-B-Q. After moving to Florida in 1975, he was a salesman for Motor Homes of America in Fort Myers and Conley Buick in Bradenton – ending his career as the New Car Sales Manager.
An avid bowler, Terry bowled several perfect 300 games and was inducted into the Sarasota Manatee Men’s Bowling Hall of Fame in 2011. He also enjoyed playing golf, boating, watching NASCAR and motorcycle races, and taking motorhome trips with Jean. The two were rarely apart after meeting at the Peoria Motorcycle Club in 1957. He and Jean took many motorcycle trips, including to Sturgis, South Dakota, and the Rolling Thunder-Ride to the Wall in Washington, DC. Terry was also involved in the Moose, Eagles, American Legion Riders, was the past director of the Manatee River Harley Owners Group chapter, and a member of the Illinois Masonic Lodge.
Services for Terry will be held at St. John’s Church, 6611 Proctor Road, Sarasota, on March 23, 2025, at 2:00 pm, with a reception to follow at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 2926 Wilkinson Road, Sarasota.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tidewell Foundation, 3550 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239; Sarasota Manatee Bowling Hall of Fame, 13535 5th Avenue NE, Bradenton, FL 34212; or the Human Society of Sarasota, 2331 15th Street, Sarasota, FL 34237
