Teri “Po” Billiter

We are beyond sad to share the news of the passing of our hero, Teri "Po" Billiter. He walked through heaven's open gates surrounded by his family on August 15, 2023.

Teri was born November 8, 1950, in Litchfield, Illinois, to Byron and Edna (Watkins) Billiter. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University where he fell in love with radio. He was married to the true love of his life, Tonya Lee (Hanke) Billiter for 53 years.

Family and faith were the two most important things in Teri’s life. His walk with Jesus carried him through so many things. His daily Bible studies with his wife and their love of growing deeper in relationship with God was greatly cherished. Teri was a long-timemember of the Mooers Wesleyan Church and served many roles there over the years, including youth group leader, worship leader and board of trustees member. Family held the other half of his heart. Anyone that spent more than a few moments with him knew that he loved his wife (Tonya) with every fiber in his body. He was a devoted and encouraging father, always there to help with homework, attending all the sporting events and plays and,as his children aged, he would constantly be there to lift them up and pray for them. The grand babies were his pride and joy. There was nothing they could do wrong. He attended all the events his body would allow and loved nothing more than visiting or playing a game with the three grandchildren. 

Teri loved to travel and instilled that same love to his children. Family vacations were treasured and even if it took months of scraping and saving, he always found a way to get his family out on an adventure. Teri had a particular love of the ocean and would gladly sit to watch and listen to the waves for hours. He also was passionate about music, and it should in his eclectic taste. He loved everything from Jonny Cash to Cat Stevens, from The Beatles and Grateful Dead to Mahalia Jackson and Mercy Me. There was rarely a family dinner that didn’t have music playing in the background. 

Left on this earth to celebrate his life and honor him always are his wife of 53 years, Tonya (Hanke) Billiter, daughter Brandi (Billiter) and her husband Matt Lloyd, son Merritt and his wife Jamie (Wison) Billiter and Po's three grandchildren: Benjamin Lloyd, Gradie Billiter, and Alice "Rosie" Billiter. We know Po will be watching over us from heaven along with his parents, brother and two sisters and his dog, Mr. Truman.

Services arrangements are with Ross Funeral Home and will be held at the Mooers Wesleyan Church (149 Maple St., Mooers) this coming Monday, August 21st. Viewing, at the church, from 10am – 12pm. Service will start at noon with reception to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Teri Billiter’s honor to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation at www.pkdcure.org.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.