A graveside service for Duane Billings, 81, of Sun City, CA, formerly of Estherville, will be held at 12 p.m., Saturday, June 20, 2020, at East Side Cemetery in Estherville with Pastor Doug Burton officiating. Military rites will be provided by VFW Post 3388 and American Legion Post 91, both of Estherville.
Duane Billings was born Oct 4, 1938, to Donald and Peggy Billings at home in Estherville. He passed from this life on Jan 20, 2020 at his home in Sun City, CA. His wife, Patty and several grandchildren were with him.
Duane graduated Estherville High School and later graduated Iowa Lakes Community College and attended Mankato State.
While in high school, Duane served with National Guard. He joined the US Navy after graduation, serving in Texas, Quonset Point, RI, and aboard USS ESSEX in the Mediterranean. In 1961 as a 2nd Class Petty Officer, he received an Honorable Discharge.
Duane returned home to Estherville and joined his father in the sand and gravel business; eventually forming Billings Excavating which Duane ran for nearly 25 years.
In 1961, Duane met and married his wife, Patty. They became the proud parents of three beautiful children; Velvet Ross (Brian), January McCray (Eddie), and son Donald "Steve" Billings.
In 1985, Duane and Patty moved to California for health reasons.
Duane worked for San Diego Unified Schools and transported RV and trucks for Bennett Motor Corp.
Duane was a member of VFW, American Legion, NRA and Elks. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian Church (Disciples) in Estherville.
Duane and Patty lived aboard in the Chula Vista Marina for 17 years. They are founding members of the Chula Vista Yacht Club. Eventually deciding to "go back to land", they moved to Sun City, CA in 2001.
Duane was a loving caring family man. He enjoyed potlucks, camping, fishing, boating, drawing, teaching the kids everything from where to find wild asparagus to the Constellations, science fiction and racing snowmobiles.
We miss him so much! Patty his wife of 58 years, his daughters Velvet Ross (Brian) and January McCray (Eddie), five grandchildren Jacob Lundgren (Alli), Joshua Lundgren, Justin Lundgren, David McCray and Rachel McCray, two great granddaughters RemiJo Lundgren and Laney Lu Lundgren, sister Juanita Mahin, brother in law Dean Ricker; as well as many nieces and nephews and cousins and friends.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Peggy Billings, granddaughter, Faith McCray, son Donald Steven Billings; as well as many sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews and cousins and friends.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.
