Donald Dean Terrill

Donald Dean Terrill 83 of Fairbury, NE., passed away March 3, 2009 at Gardenside Long Term Care in Fairbury. He was born October 28, 1925 in Fairbury, NE. He was in WWII in the Army Infantry. Upon his return to Fairbury he attended Fairbury Junior College and then graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelors Degree in Journalism in 1949. In 1958 he started a 30 year career with the Lincoln Journal as an education writer and was the statehouse reporter during the 1959 session. He was best know as the roving reporter in Southeast Nebraska. Dean's career included spending two days with Bobby Kennedy as he toured the state and was awarded the 1968 Picture of the Year by the Nebraska Press Association. Another career highlight of Dean's was covering the Charles Simants case at North Platte, including the controversial preliminary hearing and murder trial that resulted in "gag orders" that went to the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1987 he was honored as Journalist of the Year.

Survivors are Wife: Marjorie Terrill of Fairbury, Son: Terry Terrill of Fairbury, Daughter: Nancy Amundson & Husband Chris of Fairbury, Grandchildren: Brian Terrill of Lincoln, Caleb & Chancellor Amundson of Fairbury, Sister: Betty Hartley of Lincoln, NE. Preceded by Parents Clyde & Nellie (Nation) Terrill, Infant Brother Charles.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 6, 2009 at 11:00 a.m., at the First Baptist Church in Fairbury with Pastor Jim Cutts officiating. Burial in the Fairbury Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Family's Choice