Michael R. Billey

April 9, 1921 – June 23, 2006

Michael R. Billey, 85, of 3109 East Bristol Street, Elkhart, passed away at 12:32 p.m. June 23, 2006, in Elkhart General Hospital. He was born April 9, 1921, in Oliphant, PA, to George and Elizabeth (Fedick) Billey.

He married Laura J.Davy on February 12, 1944, in Elkhart, she survives.Also surviving are three sons, Patrick R. (Lorna) Billey of Goshen, Daniel (Nancy Eiselt) Billey of Seattle, WA, and Reverend Don (Karen) Billey of Anderson, IN;three daughters, Donna (Ted) Billey-Weiler of Niles, MI, Beverly (Rick) Billey-Morrow of St.Joseph, MI, and Maribeth (Gene) Salkovsky of Indianapolis, IN; 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren;one brother, Steve (Polly) Billey of Goshen;and four sisters, Ann Rife and Margaret Testo, both of Elkhart, Veronica Henke of Middlebury, IN, and Elizabeth Robinson of Union, MI.

A daughter, Marilyn (Lambright) Lindstrom;a sister, Mary M.Tinberg;and three brothers, John M., Charles, and George W.Billey all preceded in death.

Mr.Billey worked for Studebaker Corp.until 1956. He then worked for Artley Flutes, K.G.Gemeinhardt, and Westwind Products.He also worked in sales for WCMR radio.With his wife, Laura, he owned and operated the Violin Clinic from 1963 to 1995. He was a founding and charter member of Faith Baptist Church, which is now Cornerstone Baptist Church, in Elkhart.He also served as deacon.He served as worship leader at Stewart Memorial Baptist Church, South Bend, and McCoy Memorial Baptist Church, Elkhart.He dedicated his whole life to God.

He served in the U.S.Army- AirCorps as a waist gunner on a B-17G, which was shot down.He received the POW medal, Bronze star, Purple Heart, Air Service Combat Award and European Theater medal.

He was a life member of the DAV# 19 Elkhart, and a member of the Michiana Chapter of American Ex-Pows, and the Past State Commander of the Indiana Ex-Pows.He served as State Chaplain of the Indiana Ex-Pows until his illness. He received the Sagamore of the Wabash award in 1995 from Governor Evan Bayh.He was an avid musician and played in the Blue Ridge Mountain Boys band in the 1940s on radio.He was an avid birdwatcher, lifelong Chicago White Sox fan, and master storyteller.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m.Tuesday in Stemm- Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart.Services will be at 11:30 a.m.Wednesday in Northside Baptist Church, 53198 County Road 9, Elkhart, with Reverend Jamie Hart, of Cornerstone Baptist Church, and Mr.Billey’s son, Reverend Don Billey, officiating.Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens with military graveside honors conducted by the D.A.V.#19. Memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church, DAV# 19, or the Elkhart County Conservation Club. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.

Sources: Ancestry.com, Newspapers.com and FindAGrave.com

03/07/2024 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94432859/michael-r.-billey