Terry Earl Tharp

Terry Earl Tharp was born in Ferndale, Michigan on November 26, 1954 to Earl Lee Tharp and Elizabeth May (Croff) Tharp. Terry became a follower of Jesus at the age of four. While attending high school camp, God revealed His personal love to Terry in a way that would forever change his life. God called him into a more dedicated relationship with Himself and to service in His church. Throughout his life, Terry was faithful to his calling to preach the gospel and to disciple.

Terry served in the Evangelism Corps (1975) and then as a youth pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Hoquiam, WA (1976). He graduated from Seattle Pacific University in 1980 with a BA in Christian Education and became the Associate Pastor of Youth and Christian Education at Edgewood Baptist Church in Edmonds, WA (1980-1985). He went on to develop and lead the singles’ group ministry and became an outreach pastor at Temple Baptist Church in Portland, OR (1985-1993), and during this time he also graduated from Western Seminary in Portland, OR with a Master’s of Divinity Degree in 1989. Finally, he became the Senior/Lead Pastor at North Kitsap Baptist Church in Poulsbo, WA where he served from September 1993 to September 2025 when he retired after 32 years.

Terry married Deborah Lynn Lugenbeel on May 10, 1986 at Edgewood Baptist Church in Edmonds, WA. They had two great daughters, Elizabeth Tharp and Rebekah Tharp. He considered it a high calling to be a husband and dad to them.

Terry became an avid fan of all Detroit sports when the Tigers won the World Series in 1968 and brought unity to a city that the summer before had been torn apart by race riots. He played a lot of softball, bowling, ping pong and karate where he got his brown belt. He was a big fan of Lord of the Rings ever since he read The Hobbit in elementary school and quoted the movies almost daily. Terry’s greatest passions were getting time with his family, his church family, and sharing the light and love of Jesus with others.

Terry passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at St. Michaels Medical Center in Silverdale, WA after battling cholangiocarcinoma and liver failure from PSC. He is survived by his wife and kids, and siblings Jerry Tharp, Mary Koll and Gil Tharp.

In lieu of flowers, the family’s dear friend Ann and Dan Frazier has set up a GoFundMe as a way to show support to the family which which you can find here: https://gofund.me/778913cca

A memorial service will be held at North Kitsap Baptist Church, date to be determined. We welcome anyone touched by Terry’s life to attend the service and all are welcomed to leave a note below to share how he impacted your life.

I’m putting together a binder of letters written by people who have been encouraged/strengthened in their walk with God by Terry’s sermons, friendship, stories of times together, impact he made in your life, whatever is on your heart to share. These letters will be a treasured keepsake and legacy that will be encouraging to us as we reread them over the years. Thank you for taking the time to write these letters for us. ❤️

Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” John 5:24 NLT