John Billings

John Martin Billings John Billings, 85, of Wharton, TX, passed away on March 6, 2016 following a lengthy illness. John was born on May 23, 1930 in Fort Stockton, Texas to the late John and Cora Dale Springer Billings. John was raised in the Fort Stockton area where he graduated from high school in 1948. He then attended Sul Ross University for 2 years in Alpine, Texas. John served our country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict as a Military Policeman. Upon earning his Honorable Discharge, John married Mary Ann White on July 4, 1953 in Odessa where they both worked for Gulf Oil Company. John later graduated from Texas Technological University (Texas Tech) with a bachelors’ degree in 1955. They later moved to the Houston area where John started working for Houston Lighting & Power Company where he was employed 32 years and retired in 1987 as District Manager. The family moved to the Wharton area in 1969. John served on the board of directors in a number of civic and service organizations in Houston, Pasadena, and Wharton. Some of his key positions and accomplishments include: president of the Wharton Chamber of Commerce, chairman of numerous Lions Club projects, Boy Scout Director of the San Jacinto district, Wharton Jaycee Citizen of the Year, and deacon of the First Baptist Church. John is the youngest of six children and the only boy. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his five sisters: Naomi L. Hodges, Virginia Vandergrift, Lou Jean McDougal, Nell Peters, and Christine Judd. John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Ann Billings of Wharton which produced 4 outstanding sons which John considered his greatest accomplishment: David Billings and wife, Norma of Humble; Jim Billings and wife, Belynda of Fulshear; Thomas Billings and wife, Ann of Wharton; John Billings and wife, Tracy of Humble. Grandchildren include Jennifer Huthmacher and husband, Ross, Kaitlan Billings and husband, Dave Keavney, Caroline Billings, Sydney Billings, Amanda Billings, Rachel Billings, Ashlyn Billings and John Billings, along with great grandchildren, Colsen Huthmacher, Campbell Huthmacher, Corbyn Huthmacher and Silas Keavney. Visitation will be held on Friday, March11, 2016 at 6:00pm, at Wharton Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 10:00am at First Baptist Church in Wharton with Rev. Tony Wishert officiating. The flag presentation by Wharton American Legion Post 87 and VFW post 4474 will follow the service at the church. John loved and served THE FATHER Lord God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. John has asked that you pray for him and his family as he leaves this earthly body to be with his Father, Lord God. Funeral services under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. The family requests that memorial donations to a specific cause or charity of choice be made in memoriam to John Martin Billings. Condolences may be left at www.whartonfuneralhome.com.