Ronald Billings

Ronald Eugene Billings was born June 20, 1932 in Albia, Iowa. He was the youngest of six children born to Harrison and Harriet and his birth order earned him the nickname, Babe Billings. Ron was always a hard worker and began his career on a bicycle, delivering groceries before and after school. He graduated from Albia High School in 1950 and immediately enlisted in the army to serve in the Korean War. He enlisted with five of his friends. They always said, "whoever is the last one, turn out the lights." Ron is the last one. Ron was trained as a tank mechanic and experienced combat while in Korea. His brother, Donald, also served in the army and they were together for a short while in Korea.

Ron and Betty dated in high school and were married December 26, 1952 while Ron was home on leave. Ron was a devoted husband. They enjoyed 72 years of marriage before Betty went home to Jesus on December 26, 2024. Life without Betty has been a lonely and sad time for Ron and we are thrilled that they are together once again.

Following his time in the service, Ron and Betty made their home in Des Moines. He worked in a mill until he was able to get on the Des Moines Fire Department. During his thirty five-year career he moved up through the ranks and retired as a District Chief. Ron took great pride in his work and was well respected in the department. Since his schedule was always 24 on and 48 off, Ron had several side jobs including delivering meat, working for a moving company and home remodeling. Ron was always willing to lend a hand and was never afraid of hard work.

Ron and Betty had two daughters, Ronda and Meribeth. He was the best daddy and papa to his girls, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was always quick to brag about his son-in-laws. He attended countless games, concerts and programs in Des Moines and Lincoln. He tirelessly helped all of us and built things for us, whether that was a garage or an outdoor playset. We have all been so well loved.

Ron was a quiet man of faith, which he lived out by serving others. He and Betty both attended Creekside Church. They were a part of the same church family for 70 years where they made life-long friends.

Ron was very active and wanted to try new things. He water skied, snow skied and bought his first motorcycle when he was in his 50s. He took up running in his 40s and ran in multiple 10ks, the Dam to Dam several times and two marathons. He also liked to golf and was able to keep playing until recent years.

Ron left this earth on September 1, 2025. He will be deeply missed by Ronda and Rick Gentosi, Meribeth and Doug Tenney, 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 5, 2025 at Creekside Church in Urbandale with family greeting friends one hour prior starting at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the Sunny Hill Cemetery in Grimes. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Creekside Church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.