Billings, Joseph A. 1921-2012

BILLINGS, WIGGINS, THEISEN, WEBB, DEFRANCE, CLINKINBEARD

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 4/15/2020 at 09:27:44

Joseph A. Billings
1921 - 2012
Johnston

Joseph A. Billings died February 5, 2012 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa. He was born December 12, 1921 in Carney, Iowa. In 1955, he married Helen Wiggins. They had two sons, David and Steven. Joe built the family home they occupied for more than fifty years.

Joe graduated from North High School in Des Moines in 1939 and attended Iowa State University before enlisting in the United States Army Air Corps.

He attained the rank of captain and 'flew the hump' while serving in the China/Burma/India theater during WWII. He was president of the 317th WWII Air Commando group. Annual reunions for this group of servicemen and their families were much anticipated. On August 11, 2009 he was honored to travel to Washington D.C. on a Hy-Vee-sponsored Honor Flight for World War II veterans.

Joe graduated from Drake University Law School in 1949. He practiced law in Des Moines until his retirement in 1989. He was the attorney for the City of Johnston when the community was incorporated in 1969. He served for many years on the board of directors of Preferred Risk Insurance Company of West Des Moines.

He enjoyed his longtime membership in the Johnston Lions Club.

Some of the happiest times of Joe's life were the winter months he spent with his son, David, in Phoenix, AZ and the times spent hunting and fishing with his son, Steve, and grandson, Alex. He loved watching his grandchildren ride in saddle club horse shows and at the Iowa State Fair. After his retirement he enjoyed playing golf with a regular foursome.

Classical music was always in his heart, as were his fond memories of a six-week trip to Europe with his family and the family of his dear friend, Chad Hensley.

Dr. Tom Buroker, you were our help through many years and our strength at the end.

Joe is survived by his wife, Helen, son David of Phoenix, AZ, son Steven (Shellie) of Dallas Center and their children Alex and Jayme. His many nieces and nephews showed great affection for their Uncle Joe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Justine Billings, his brother, Albert, sisters, June Theisen and Marge Lorence Webb, nephew, John Theisen and nieces, Patty Theisen DeFrance and Cathy Clinkingbeard.

Private burial will be at Chapel Hill Gardens. Visitation will be at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway on February 8, 2012 from 4 to 7 p.m. In place of flowers, the family suggests a contribution in Joe's memory to Mercy Hospice, 5820 Winwood Drive, Johnston, IA 50131 or to the Johnston Lions Club, P.O. Box 52, Johnston, IA 50131. ~ The Des Moines (IA) Register Wed 08 Feb 2012.