Harvey––Charles D. “Chuck” Billings, 62, of 104 Cedar Lane, Harvey, died Sunday evening, February 10, 2008, at Marquette General Hospital, where he had been admitted earlier in the day.
Chuck was born in Marquette on November 20, 1945, the son of Sam and Thelma Billings. He attended the Marquette Public Schools, graduating from the Graveraet High School in 1963. He entered the Marine Corps after graduation and served in Vietnam as a forward observer and radioman in 1964-1965. In 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Lorna Weiger, and together the couple established a home and raised two sons, Jason and Josh. He took great pleasure in coaching his sons and their teammates in baseball, soccer, and hockey. He also enjoyed many years playing softball, hockey, and bowling, and never missed deer season in Ralph with his muzzle loader and bow. Chuck also loved riding his Harley, and then his “Beemer” – taking trips to the Grand Canyon, Daytona Beach, and Branson. Chuck was employed as a lineman for the Marquette Board of Light and Power for twenty years before suffering a stroke in 1991. He was a member of St. Louis the King Catholic Church, Richard Jopling Post #44 of the American Legion, West Branch Sportsman’s Club, and the VVA.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 39 years, Lorna; his sons, Jason of Marquette and Josh (Melissa) of Los Angeles, CA; a granddaughter, and light of his life for the past eight years, Trinity Merie; and brothers, Tom of Ohio and Mike of Marquette. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Rosemary Billings and Lorilee Weiger; brother-in-law, Joe Healy; brothers and sisters-in-law, Lula and Jack Sarka and Pat and Skip Lemire; and many special nieces and nephews. Chuck was preceded in death by his father, Sam; mother, Thelma; step-dad, Albert Tuuri; brother, Jim; brother-in-law, Daryl Weiger; and mother and father-in-law, Agnes and Orval Weiger.
Chuck will be most missed for his wonderful sense of humor, which he never lost even after his debilitating stroke. He touched many lives as a good friend, a loving husband, a great dad and uncle, and as a big brother to be admired. Even though he would have loved to be able to run and play with his precious Trinity, she will none the less remember “papa” for his undivided attention and devotion to her. Not to mention, the thousands of hugs and kisses.
When we all meet again and ask Chuck how he’s doing, he will no doubt reply, “Can’t kick.”
Honoring Chuck’s wishes, any service will be private.
Special thanks to MGH Home Health Care, MGH Therapy Services, MGH Home Infusion, Dr. Saari, Dr. Eiben and Jean, Don and Dorothy Hansen, and Jack Sarka for “being there.”