Gale Edwin Billington

Gale “Ed” Billington

Gale Edwin “Ed” Billington, 68 of Novinger, passed away Saturday ( October 17, 2009 ) at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville .

The son of Gale Ernest and Eva Ardell ( Moore ) Billington, he was born May 22, 1941 in Green City , Missouri . On January 13, 1962 in Kirksville he was united in marriage to Joyce Ann Risher who preceded him in death on September 14, 2009 . He was also preceded in death by his parents, on e brother, Jerry Billington, one sister, Eudema White and on nephew, Mike White.

Ed is survived by his children, Kimberly Snyder and husband Michael of Green City, MO and Deann Pope of Novinger, MO; five grandchildren, Carrie Neeley, Stephen Cunningham, Anthony Pope, Bailey Pope and Raven Pope; one brother, John Billington and wife Josephine of Sublette, MO; dear friend and son at heart, Pat Davidson of Kirksville and several nieces and nephews.

Ed grew up in Green Castle and attended the Green Castle School . On August 11, 1958 he entered the U.S. Army serving for 3 years until his discharge on August 10, 1961 . Ed was a truck driver and drove for over twenty five years until he retired. He later worked for three years at Wal-Mart.

Ed was a member of V.F.W. Post 2508. He loved and enjoyed spending time with his family. He enjoyed playing cards, going to auctions, yard sales and traveling.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday ( October 20, 2009 ) at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home with Reverend Alan Coonfield officiating. Musical selections will be “Go Rest High on That Mountain”, “Why Me Lord”, “Stroll Across Heaven” and “Can I Have This Dance”. Burial with military rites will be in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville , MO.

Pallbearers will be Johnny Billington, Joey Billington, J.B. Billington, Jackie White, Troy Dale White and Pat Davidson. Honorary bearers will be Jimmy Davidson, Stephen Cunningham, Anthony Pope, J.R. Risher and Kevin Risher.

Visitation with the family will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday ( October 19, 2009 ) at the

Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home

2100 E. Shepherd Ave.

Kirksville , MO 63501 660-665-2233

The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society or Midwest Transplant Network.