Terrance Walters, age 79, of Yankton died peacefully at home on Jan. 9, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.
Terry was born in Mitchell to Karl “Sonny” Walters and Doris (Dyer) Walters. The eldest of three children, Terry grew up in Letcher and graduated from General Beadle College (Dakota State University) where he played basketball. After graduation he taught and coached at Lake Andes H.S. where he met his future wife Dianne Gorman. While working for the Job Corps in numerous states he and Dianne had two children, Shawn and Teresa. Terry was also a graduate of a SDSU Masters program in the early 1970s.
Terry’s career lead him to NE and ND for many years with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. While working with several tribes he was able to implement humanitarian and educational programs . Terry never stopped being an advocate for Native American rights on Reservations.
Terry’s greatest joy was being able to strike up a conversation with anyone over anything. His lifelong passions included horse riding, pheasant hunting, fishing, playing pinochle with Dianne’s numerous brothers, gardening and lately, the ethical relocation of rabbits and raccoons from his backyard. He brought joy to his 8 grandchildren and six great-grand children with many fishing and tubing/boat rides.
Terry was baptized and confirmed in the Letcher, SD Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) and was a member of the United Church of Christ in Yankton.
Terry is survived by his wife Dianne; his sisters Lana Andersen and Tama (Dan) Backlund all of Mitchell; his children Shawn (Terri) Walters and Teresa (Larry) Hogeland; his grandchildren Justin (Marissa) Walters, Larry Hogeland, Jordan (Richard) Gist, Zach (Alli) Walters, Connor Walters, Fallon Pullman, Isabella and Alexis Hogeland; and his great grandchildren, which he adored. Terry loved to play with little children - making him a favorite to them all. Terry is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
