William Gregory Durika

William Gregory Durika

1947-2023

William “Bill” Gregory Durika, 76, of Edmond, Oklahoma passed away on October 16, 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  He was born July 4, 1947, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania to John Paul Durika and Amber Eileen Powell Durika.  

He grew up on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania.  During high school he enjoyed taking part in plays and musicals. After graduation, he joined the Air Force in November, 1966.  While in the Air Force, Bill served two tours in Vietnam before he became a Special Investigator for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.   After 25 years of distinguished service in the Air Force, Bill retired and began working in the nuclear industry, eventually working for the Department of Energy.

Bill met Sherry Beach in July 1976 in Del City, Oklahoma.  After 10 dates in 3 months, they married on October 8, 1976.  Together they shared 47 years of marriage and made homes and life-long friends in 16 locations worldwide, including Oklahoma, New Mexico, Mississippi, Louisiana, Colorado, Virginia, and Germany.

Bill was baptized into the Lord while stationed at Dyess AFB; he loved worshiping and teaching Bible classes.  His other loves included golf, gardening and flowers, running, skiing, his pets, and his family and friends. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Eileen; brother, John; and granddaughter Bryce.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sherry; his children, Kim Maier and her husband, Andy, and Stephen Crabtree and his wife, Keitha; 4 grandchildren, Kayla, Alexyss, Avery, and Noah; 3 great-grandchildren; and many other close family and friends. 

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 23, 2023 at Edmond Church of Christ.

Bill will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.  

5 thoughts on “William Gregory Durika”

  1. Kerry Corbett

    A good friend in High School. Neighbors. Our parents were friends and we visited each other. We had a lot of fun in High School. Rest in peace my old friend.

  2. Tami Delaneu

    My heart is so heavy I’m just so honored to have meet and been a part of their lives at one point. He was so loving and open hearted he and Sherry always had an open home for friends. He will be greatly missed.
    Love,
    Your sister in Christ
    Tami Delaney (southwest Church of Christ)

  3. Tami Delaney

    My heart is so heavy I’m just so honored to have meet and been a part of their lives at one point. He was so loving and open hearted he and Sherry always had an open home for friends. He will be greatly missed.
    Love,
    Your sister in Christ
    Tami Delaney (southwest Church of Christ)

  4. Becky Patrick

    So very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Went to school with Bill. A few years ago my husband, grandson and I had the pleasure meeting Bill and Sherry for lunch talking about old times. Sherry you have our sympathy. Fly high my friend!

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