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.