Terry D Williams

The first born of twin boys, Terry Dean Williams was born on January 6, 1949, to Orville and Luzella (Gutscher) Williams in Superior, Nebraska.

He grew up on the farm near Burr Oak, Kansas, where he attended school. Terry graduated from Burr Oak High School, with the class of 1969. Following graduation, he went into the United States Army. He served from 1969 – 1971, during which he spent a year in Vietnam. Terry received the Army commendation medal for his meritorious service in the Republic of Vietnam during the period November, 1969, to November, 1970.

After returning from the service, he worked various jobs including farming, Dubuque Packing Plant, and construction all within 50 miles of where he was born and raised.

Terry was a member of the American Legion and VFW.

He was diagnosed with cancer in 1998, and underwent many different treatments. He had to have his voice box removed, and was unable to speak without the aid of a vibrator. In February, 2002, Terry moved into the Wheat State Manor at Whitewater, Kansas, where he lived until he passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2009, at the age of 60 years, 7 months, and 12 days.

He was preceded in death by his father, Orville; his grandparents, Walter and Olive Gutscher and Walter and Ellen Williams; and a nephew, Joel Hobbs.

Terry is survived by his mother, Luzella Williams of Beloit, Kansas; two brothers, Darcy and wife Cheryl of El Dorado, Kansas, and twin brother, Larry of Austin, Texas; a sister, Rita and husband Dan Hobbs, Jr., of Beloit, Kansas; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends. He also leaves his many friends at the Wheat State Manor in Whitewater, Kansas.

A celebration of life service for Terry Dean Williams was held Saturday, August 22, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., at the Melby Mortuary Chapel, Mankato, Kansas. Military honors were given by the United States Army Honor Guard, Ft. Riley, Kansas. Interment was next to his father, in the Burr Oak, Cemetery, Burr Oak, Kansas. Visitation will be Friday, August 21, 2009, at the Melby Mortuary, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The family suggests memorials to Sunflower Unit at Wheat State Manor in Whitewater, Kansas. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.