Edward "Ted" Billing

Edward "Ted" Billing, 94, of Alexander, passed away September 4, 2012. He was born October 13, 1917 in Collegeville to the late Fred and Lena Lockert Billing. Edward was drafted into the Army on June 20, 1941 and sent to Camp Roberts, California for basic training. After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, he was sent to Fort Lewis, Washington, where he was assigned to Company E 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. From there, Edward was sent to Camp Pickett, Va., and then overseas. When Edward got on the ship to return to the states, out of only two of the original 200 men in his company were left. The others had been killed, wounded or taken sick. He was discharged from the Army on June 26, 1945 with 9 Bronze Stars for his service under General Patton during WWII and returned to Saline County, going into the dairy business with his brother. He retired in 1972 while working with Billing's Grocery Store in Collegeville. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Larry Billing and two brothers. Edward is survived by his wife, Mitty "The Madam" Billing, whom he married on March 2, 1946, son, Eddie "Gary" Billing and wife, Karen, daughter, Carol Trammell and husband, Allen, daughter-in-law, Judy Billing, nine grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 10 a.m., Friday with burial to follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. Visitation will be at Ashbys, Thursday, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Collegeville Church of Nazarene. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.