Milton Billings

Milton Eldon Billings, "Our Super Hero," won his last match in mortality leaving his worn and broken body behind on February 25, 2015. He triumphed over 47 years of diabetes and numerous related health issues and accidents. Milton was born May 16, 1946 to Eldon and Dezzie Billings in Vernal, Utah. He was the sixth of nine children. He grew up on ranches and dairy farms in the Glines and Ashley areas of Ashley Valley. Milton learned a great work ethic early in life milking dairy cows, cutting and bailing acres and acres of hay, fixing broken down farming equipment and all other work related to farming and ranching. He applied that work ethic and determination to all he did in life. He attended schools in Vernal and graduated from Uintah High School in 1965. Milton loved the sport wrestling; it had been a family tradition, as his three brothers had all been wrestlers at Uintah. His senior year he was caption of the wrestling team. As he proudly led the team on to the mat, he tripped on the edge of the mat. While the rest of the rest of the team jogged past him, he picked himself up and went on to become the 1965 State Champion in the 138 pound weight. For the rest of his life, every time he got knocked down he picked himself up and moved on without complaint. In 1966 he married the girl who had a sixth grade crush on him, before he even knew that girls existed, except for two annoying little sisters. Diana Chivers and Milton Billings were married in the Salt Lake L.D.S. Temple, August 25, 1966. Then he told her she was the girl of his dreams! They lived in Provo, where Milton graduated in 1967 from Provo technical College in Diesel Mechanics. An interest he had developed on the farm working on equipment. He also had a talent for fixing and driving hot cars with big engines. Even racing on main street at night when it was deserted, as did many of the boys his age. In his later years he restored some vehicles, with his sights set on his 1966 Chevelle, which he had owned since it was new, as a retirement project. Unfortunately he was not able to realize that dream due to health issues. His sons ate going to carry on that legacy for his by bringing "The Chevelle" back to the streets. Watch out car buffs! The young couple moved back to Vernal, where Milton was soon drafted into the U.S. Army. After ten months into training he developed diabetes and received a medical discharge. Milton returned to Vernal where they lived and raised their family of six children. Marla (Greg) Lohmeyer; Shaunlee (Bo) Whitmore; Misty (Troy) Angeli; Vince (Johanna) Billings; Jessica (Greg) Alldredge; Wesley (Amanda) Billings; now including 6 spouses, 23 grandchildren, I more due any day, 4 great grandchildren 1 more due in June. One deceased granddaughter, Katelin Rose; waiting for him in Heaven. Milton pursued a career in diesel mechanics working for Ashton Supply/Baroid. He also worked on many different cars and equipment also with farming hundreds of acres of hay with his dad. After nearly 20 years he retired from Uintah County where he had been the Noxious weed Supervisor. A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he loved serving in many callings, where he touched many lives for good. Scouting, Sunday School President, Bishopric, High Council and always as a concerned Home Teacher. Growing up in his large family of nine children was a great joy and he has appreciated the love, concern and support of his siblings. Throughout Milton's many trials they have all, always been at his side. Colleen, Glen (deceased), Delyle, Marva, Arvin, Maureen, Ona Marie and Everett. We love you, dear husband, "Daddy", "Grandpa", "Pooch", "Snake", Brother Billings, trusted friend, "Our Super Hero", who endured with faith and dignity to the end. Funeral services will be on Monday, March 2, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ashley 1st Ward Chapel. (3040 North Vernal Ave.) Friends and family may call at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary, Sunday evening from 6:00-8:00 and at the Chapel one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park, with Military Honors provided by the American Legion and Utah National Guard. Services are under the direction of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. www.blackburnvernalmortuary.com