Richard Lee Billman, age 81, of Roscommon, formerly of Columbiaville and Goodrich, died suddenly July 21, 2012 at Lake St. Helen following a wonderful afternoon outing doing the things he loved, being with his family, boating and fishing.
Richard was born in Grayling on January 12, 1931 to Ivan and Hazel (Kolka) Billman. Following a tour of duty in the Army during the Korean War he attended Central Michigan University where he received his Bachelors Degree in Education. He moved to Goodrich and later to Columbiaville, while teaching biology at Oxford High School for 33 years. He was also a former member of Walter Fraser American Legion Post 108 in Oxford.
A true outdoorsman, he loved to fish, hunt, camp and was a master gardener. He continued to challenge his mind by doing crossword puzzles. Richard’s teaching abilities did not stop with his retirement as he always grasped an opportunity to be a teacher.
Preceding him in death was his wife, Lorraine.
Surviving are a son, Tod (Sarah) Billman of Roscommon and Tod’s mother, Mary Billman of Ortonville; granddaughter, Andrea (Jeff) Wade of St. Helen; siblings, Beatrice Hanson of Warren, Janet (Phil) Osterman of East Jordan and Roger (Mildred) Billman of Muskegon, and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Northern Michigan Region, 526 W. Chisholm St., Alpena, MI 49707.