Past Grand Master Robert Edward Billings passed away on January 21, 2011 at the age of 93, at Greentree Health and Rehabilitation Center, Clintonville. He served the Masons of Wisconsin as Grand Master in 1975.
He was born in Clintonville, Wisconsin, September 14, 1917 the son of Guy and Jennie (Carr) Billings. He married Jane Elizabeth Kelly his wife of 63 years in October 1941. She preceded him in death in 2004.
Bro. Billings graduated from the Clintonville public school system and continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was purchasing manager of the Four Wheel Drive Company in Clintonville.
Bro. Bilings was initiated and Entered Apprentice on March 20, 1940; passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on April 22, 1940; and raised a Master Mason on May 24, 1940, in Clintonville Lodge No. 197. He served his Lodge as Master 1952. He was recently honored by his Lodge for 70 years of service. Bro. Billings is a Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of Wisconsin and a 33˚ Scottish Rite Mason. He has been a Director of the Wisconsin Masonic Home, Inc. and was a member of the Shrine and the Eastern Star.
Bro. Billings was active in the Christ Congregational-UCC of Clintonville, Clintonville Area Historical Society, and the Clintonville Public Library. He was President of the Clintonville Area Historical Society and authored a book, “As We Once Were: A Pictorial History of Clintonville Wisconsin.” He was honored for distinguished service by The State Historical Society of Wisconsin and received the Local History Award of Merit. Bro. Billings was Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Clintonville Hospital. A corridor of the Angelus Retirement Community is named “Billings Hall.”
He is survived by his nephew Dr. Roger Cass and his wife Diane of Rochester, New York, and many friends.
A memorial service celebrating his life is planned for Saturday morning, April 23, at 11:00 a.m. at the Christ Congregational United Church of Christ, Clintonville. Rev. Jill Meyer will officiate.
Contributions in honor of Bob may be sent to the Clintonville Public Library, Christ Congregational-UCC Clintonville, or the Clintonville Area Historical Society.
The Beil-Didier Funeral & Cremation Service, Clintonville is in charge of the arrangements
