TERRY BILLAM
![1969-billam-terry](http://osawatomiealumni.com/SENIOR-PICTURES/1969/1969-billam-terry.jpg)
CLASS OF 1969
Terry Lee Billam, 69, of Olathe, passed away on January 5, 2021 at the Olathe
Hospice
House, after a long battle with MDS and Leukemia. Terry was born in
Hoisington, Kansas, to John and Anna Lee Billam (Price), and grew up in
Osawatomie, Kansas. Terry was a natural athlete who played, loved, and
excelled in many sports, including football, tennis, basketball, golf,
and baseball. He was a collegiate athlete at KU and Emporia State. He
graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science.
He
married the love of his life, Luan Mary Billam (Thomas), in August of
1972. Together they built a happy life for over 48 years. They had two
children, Jason and Vincent, and raised their family in Olathe, Kansas.
Terry was a successful man who enjoyed working in the auto industry
until he retired.
Terry
was committed to family and to tradition. He loved his kids and
grandchildren with a such enthusiasm that, it was clear to all, he was
totally committed to their happiness and well-being. He was impactful
on everyone he met, especially children. Terry never met a stranger. He
befriended anyone that would lend him an ear. He was a coach, mentor
and friend to his in-laws, his boys, his grandchildren, and many people
that he encountered and spent time with. Terry’s natural confidence
encouraged his friends and family in anything they chose to do,
encouraging them to always put in the work in order to be their very
best. You could find him in the stands at his grandchildren’s sporting
games and activities. They always knew that their biggest fan was there
to loudly cheer them on.
Terry
enjoyed hunting. He planned all year for pheasant hunts with his
family. Terry was a great storyteller, and these trips are some of the
families’ best memories. Terry knew when to not let the facts get in
the way of a good story. The stories he told on, and about, these trips
were epic. We will treasure them forever. Those who were a part of the
story often found themselves in an unrecognizable adventure, that truly
kept everyone entertained. Terry was our gentle giant who was fun and
adventurous.
Terry
often recounted his and his father’s stories of working for The
Missouri Pacific Railroad. Terry himself worked for the railroad
through high school and college with his brother Tom. Terry loved
trains. At Christmas time, he enjoyed setting up a train to bring gifts
from around the back of the Christmas tree to his grandchildren each on
their own customized flatbed car. He was a man like no other, and there
was no doubt he would have your back and make you feel protected and
loved. We will miss him dearly.
Terry
is survived by his wife of 48 years, Luan; his sons, Jason (Jennifer)
and their daughters Anna and Caroline; and Vincent (Mikaela); and their
sons, Bennett and Connor. Terry is also survived by his mother, Anna
Lee Billam; brother Tom (Maureen); his sister, Tammy (Bill) Roseberry;
and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father,
John Billam.
Terry
fought the terrible disease of MDS, even to the point of having a bone
marrow transplant. Ultimately, it was the one obstacle he could not
overcome despite amazing doctors, his devoted wife and family who
became his caretakers in the last months of his life. Please join us in
the fight against MDF by registering to become a bone marrow donor at
www.bethematch.org or make a donation to the University of Kansas Blood
& Marrow Transplant Unit, in Terry’s name.
Services
are Monday, January 11, 2021 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 16000
W. 143rd Street, Olathe, KS 66062. Visitation is at 10:00 a.m. until
11:30 a.m. with a Memorial Service at 11:30 a.m. Burial to follow at
Pleasant Valley Cemetery.