Obituary
Guest Book
1939
2017
Thomas Elwood Billings, 78, of Columbia passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2017, at University of Missouri Hospital.
Private graveside services will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery, Columbia, MO. Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at a later date.
Thomas was born on May 30, 1939 in South Haven, MI the son of Earl and Helen (Miller) Billings who preceded him in death. He was a veteran of the US Navy where he served as the special advisor to the Attorney General on Cuban Affairs. He was married on June 22, 1963 in Williamsburg, VA to Catherine Firestone, who survives. He received his PhD in Journalism and retired faculty member from the University of Missouri in 2008.
He is also survived by: one daughter, Laura (Jim); two grandchildren, Daniel Thomas and Megan and one sister, Judy (Ed).
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to ACLU, c/o Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia, MO 65202.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Memorial Funeral Home/Columbia.
January 19, 2018
Friend
Tom and Kathy Brady
Dear Cathy,
We send our condolences to you and the family on the death of your Tom. It was great fun to visit with him and you in Columbia on several occasions and hear the two Toms talk about Navy days. It has been a while since we were back in Columbia, but it (and all our friends there) will live in our hearts forever. May Tom rest in peace and may the happy memories of your life together sustain you in these sad days. With all the very best wishes, Kathy and Tom Brady
January 14, 2018
Dear Cathy and Laura,
Lyle and I (Betty and Lyle Harris) were saddened to learn of Tom's death. He was a close friend when we lived in Missouri, and we have stayed in touch with him over the years. Tom and I had the same birthday, and that made us twins who always got in touch on our Memorial Day birthday.
we send our love and sympathy for the loss of this wonderful man. God bless you,
Betty and Lyle Harris, Bellingham,Wa.
December 31, 2017
Michele Kroll
Cathy and Laura,
I'm so sorry to hear about Tom. I know he was the light in your lives. I will always be grateful for his mentorship in grad school. Dads are so special. My prayers are with you during this time.
December 31, 2017
Family
Heather Sachse
Dear Aunt Kathy, Cousin Laura, Daniel and Megan,
I was so saddened to hear of Uncle Tom's passing. I wish I was there to give you each a hug. I have fond memories of family vacations when I was young with you all. Uncle Tom was always so caring to his rough and tumble niece. I remember him hanging a swing in the front tree so we could play outside, and him showing me what poison ivy looked like so I wouldn't wander into it in your backyard forest which was so magical to me. I loved all the lush undergrowth that we didn't have in Wyoming. I remember the year we all went to Disney World and getting to hang out with the three of you and going on rides that I wouldn't have gotten to go on if I had stayed with my parents. I had so much fun on that trip. Those memories I will hold dear. Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of this wonderful man. I have made a donation directly to the ACLU in his memory.
Love you all,
Heather, Matt and Craig Sachse
December 26, 2017
Sharon Robison
Dear Mrs. Billings and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We were so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. We played with Tom and Judy as children when they visited their grandmother in the summer. There were several neighbor kids who also played and we became good friends. Tom's mother had the same name as my mom. Our sisters had the same birthday and same name. We lived next door to his grandmother. I'm happy to hear that he earned his Phd. I wish we could have met you, Cathy, and your daughter. We will always remember Tom, Judy, Helen, Mrs. Miller, and our childhood friendship. We will keep you all in our prayers.
December 24, 2017
Hariharan Regunath
Dear Mrs. Billings and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts reach out to you. We strongly believe that he will continue to live in your heart just the same as before with all those wonderful memories. We have seen the very meaning of true affection and love through you and Mr. Billings, in those very few days that we cared for the both of you. Our heartfelt condolences!
December 24, 2017
Betty LaRoe
Kathy so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I lost Harold on the 20th. So know what you are going thru.
December 23, 2017
Cathy Harrison
Laura my heart goes out to you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and comfort with your happy memories of you and your Dad.
December 23, 2017
Zac Ispa-Landa
We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family, Cathy. Zac fondly remembers talking with Tom over the years. Warmest regards to you, Zac & Corey
December 23, 2017
Jean Ispa
Nelson and I will remember Tom as our neighbor for over 30 years, and for his kind and cheerful words. Sad to learn of his passing. Let us know if we can be of help to you, Cathy.
Jean and Nelson
December 22, 2017
Judith L Williams
I will remember Tom always because of such wonderful childhood memories. My family and I lived next door to his grandmother Mrs. Miller, whom he would visit in the summer. My sister Sharon and Tom were the same age and his sister Judy and I were the same age. Although you are gone Tom, you will remain in our hearts forever.
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