Dr. Olin Terrence “Terry” Sandlin, Ed.D., 79, of Topeka passed away on February 10, 2023.
He was born to Olin Edgar and Helene Mulveta Tarnstrom Sandlin on June 21, 1943. Terry graduated from Greenleaf High School, class of 1961, and Kansas State University, class of 1965, with bachelor’s degrees in biology. He later earned a master’s degree in education from Kansas State in 1967 and his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Kansas in 1985. He has spent his entire career working with and for Topeka Public Schools (USD 501).
A lifelong educator, Terry began his career teaching science at Topeka West High School in 1968. He was named the Topeka Jaycees Outstanding Young Educator in 1973. He later became a counselor and assistant principal at Topeka West before later becoming principal of McEachron, Highland Park North, State Street and Whitson elementary schools. Dr. Sandlin worked as an administrator for Topeka Public Schools before retiring as associate superintendent of learning and education in 2009 after a brief stint as interim superintendent of schools. He was also an adjunct professor of education at Washburn University and the University of Kansas and spent time teaching education at Yale University.
Terry will be remembered for his love of photography, classical music, jazz, dogs and the many people who have crossed his life training in Topeka.
Terry is survived by his wife of 36 years, Georgia; children, Trevin (Shannon) of Atlanta, GA, Ryan Sandlin of Topeka, Ann Goodall of Topeka, and Clayton Funk of Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren, Miles Sandlin of Atlanta, Quinn and Robert Goodall of Topeka, and Addison and Hudson Funk of Kansas City. Many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren and nieces from Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, Ohio, South Dakota and Florida.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 18 at 10:00 am at the Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Public Schools Foundation, PO Box 5883, Topeka, KS 66605, Kansas Public Radio, 1120 W 11th St, Lawrence, KS 66044 c/o Membership, or KTWU Public Television, 1700 College Ave, Topeka , KS 66621.
Condolences can be sent online at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.
Published online February 14, 2023
Published in Topeka Capital Journal
