Since 1990, Nevada has been the home of Terry Webster, who is often called “Web” by family and friends.
Born in Indiana, Web grew up in a variety of places, especially in Iowa, where the family moved when he was 2 months old. “We lived near Bussey, Waterloo, Charles City… then moved to Nebraska and then back to Marshalltown. His father worked in administration for the Boy Scouts of America, an itinerant position.
It was Marshalltown where Web attended high school; met his future wife, Jackie, on the first day of history class; and graduated from high school in 1984.
After high school, he attended Iowa State University, where he initially chose to study nuclear engineering. “I switched my major to psychology and got a degree in that, but couldn’t get an adequate job. So, I went back to ISU and earned a bachelor’s in chemistry,” he said, adding that he eventually also earned a master’s degree in toxicology.
For 28 years, Web has worked as a chemist at Des Moines Water Works. He’s now a senior chemist and spends most of his time filling out reports to make sure all the state requirements are met.
For 13 years, Web also had a part-time position as a chemistry instructor for Des Moines Area Community College.
His wife, Jackie, also works in Des Moines in a position with the federal government.
Web and Jackie raised three children, a daughter and two sons, in Nevada, and all three graduated from Nevada High School. They are now grandparents of two teenagers, as well.
All these years later, Web believes Nevada was, and still is, a good place to call home. “It’s a small enough town that I don’t have a lot of noise, and I can go a mile in any direction and be out of town on my bicycle or motorcycle,” he said.
Biking is Web’s number-one pastime. He’s done the RAGBRAI and BRR (winter Bike Ride to Rippey) many times, and used to take part in NABR (Nevada’s Annual Bike Ride), which was organized by the Jaycees club for many years. Web was part of the Jaycees for some of those years.
“I got into biking, figuring it would be a great way to lose weight,” Web said. And he’s always enjoyed being active. He participated in football, basketball and track at Marshalltown High School.
When asked how he’d describe himself, Web laughs a bit and said he’s never really thought about that. Low-key, under the radar, might be good ways to describe him. “I don’t worry about what other people do; it’s none of my business. I don’t talk politics. At the end of the day, all most people are trying to do is just get through their day, no matter what socio-economic status they are.”
A few more interesting things about Terry Webster:
His favorite 1980’s movie is “Crocodile Dundee,” and he also saw “Top Gun” three times.
His favorite band/artist: ACDC and Waylon Jennings. He likes both rock and old-time country music.
In addition to sports, he was also involved in high school in Spanish Club and band. He played the tenor saxophone and liked marching band best.
He is a current member of the Nevada Masonic Lodge.
His favorite places to go in Nevada: MiCasita and Snack Time.
His favorite date night with Jackie: Ordering food, bringing it home and watching movies.
What he fears most for kids growing up today: “The internet, because of all the bad news that’s online. When we were kids, you only saw bad news when they put it in the newspaper or on TV news, and they could only report so much. Now, every second of every day you have bad news in your hand.”