Herbert Wendel Killam was born September 24, 1932 in Sheridan, Missouri to Ross Robert and Beaulah Lucile (Taylor) Killam. He graduated high school in Hopkins, Missouri in 1950 and began working at a grocery store in Maryville, as college was not financially possible. After working at the grocery store a few months Herb began working for Wren Peve Produce and Feeds in Hopkins.
Herb was drafted into the United States Army in February 1953. He served active duty for the next 24 months including 16 months in Korea. Herb returned from honorably serving his country in January 1955 and got engaged to Carol Jean Mendenhall at the Hopkins ball field. They were married May 29, 1955 at the Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage with Reverend A. V. Hart officiating. To this union Victoria Faith was born March 18, 1956.
In 1961 the family moved from Hopkins to Bedford and Herb went to work for S.K. Mendenhall at Taylor County Motor. As the business grew and changed, Herb continued working for son-in-law, Dick, and grandson, Tim, at Taylor County Motor and D&T Repair until January 2018 when his health no longer allowed him to continue. He received the prestigious Accounting Excellence Award from Ford Motor Company for 40 consecutive years of service.
Herb was honored to be asked to join Lions Club International in 1973 and over the course of 45 years had many travels and experiences gaining lifelong friendships. He was a very proud working member and held many offices within the local chapter as well as at the state level of the club. Twice, Herb was bestowed the highest level of honor within Lions Club by receiving the International President's Award.
Other hobbies and interests of Herb's included woodworking, watching and feeding birds and squirrels, and collecting squirrel figurines.
Preceding Herbert in death were his parents; in-laws, S.K. and Helen Mendenhall; sister, Darlene Fine; and son-in-law, Dick Guilliatt.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jeanie Killam; daughter, Victoria Guilliatt; granddaughter, Stefanie (Kevin) Nickell; grandson, Tim (Sarah) Guilliatt; great-granddaughters, Kali and Kambri Nickell; another great-grandchild on the way; and sister-in-law, Kae Eberle.
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