Kenneth Billingsley

Kenneth Billingsley, 74, of Fairfield, IA, passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2013, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. A funeral service will begin at 1:00 p .m. on Monday, October 21, 2013 at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel with Pastor D.J. Meyers officiating. Friends will be able to greet the family after the service at the Hillsboro Community Center. Interment will be at the Hillsboro Cemetery. A memorial has been established and will be determined by the family at a later date. Born January 16, 1939 in Salem, IA, Kenneth Eric was the son of Howard Boyd and Zeffa Oral (Nichols) Billingsley. He attended the Hillsboro School. On May 10, 1958 he married Nancy L. Cook at the Fairfield Free Methodist Church. Kenneth worked as a contractor all of his life building spec homes which were then sold. His skills were such that he was able to work as a carpenter, roofer, plastering and mason work. He is noted for building the inaugural platform for President George H. Bush which was later used for President Bill Clinton's inauguration. An avid history buff, he especially enjoyed researching the Civil War. Favorite hobbies included fishing and coon hunting with his dogs. He was a member of the Carpenters' Union. Survivors include his wife, Nancy, of Fairfield, IA; two sons, Jim (Marsha) Billingsley of Oquawka, IL and Kelly Billingsley of Mt. Pleasant, IA; two grandchildren, Donny (Jessica) Billingsley and Tyler (Amanda) Billingsley; and four great-grandchildren, Taylor, Hayden, Greyson and Stella Kay. He is preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; and six brothers.