Herbert Charles Billman

Herbert Billman, 97, of Clarion passed away Friday, October 20, 2017 at the Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion.

Funeral services for Herb Billman will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 10:30 AM at the Clarion Church of Christ, 420 North Main Street in Clarion, with Pastor Warren Curry officiating. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 24 at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Herbert Charles Billman was born January 4, 1920 on the family farm near Dike, Iowa, the second oldest son of Tony and Ethel (Klontz) Billman. He and his 3 brothers and sister grew up there, attending Dike Consolidated Schools, where he was part of the 1937-1938 State Championship basketball team.

Upon graduation, Herb started working for the neighbor for 10 cents an hour and was able to earn enough to buy his first suit. In 1939, he joined the Army National Guard and became a soldier of the “Red Bull” Division, the 133rd Infantry Company B, 34th Division, based in Waterloo, Iowa. He was mobilized in 1940 and was sent to Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, then on to Ireland.

While stationed in Ireland, Herb received a copy of the Mason City Globe Gazette which featured 38 band queen candidates on the cover. He chose Miss Clarion (Neola Thomas) from this paper as his future bride.

The couple met in person for the first time on July 26, 1944, and were married on August 26, 1944. The couple had enjoyed 58 years of marriage when Neola passed away. To their union were born 3 children: Michael, Marla and Leslyn.

Herb loved his Savior, family and friends. He was always helping and doing something. He enjoyed bike riding 30-40 miles a day, hunting, fishing (especially catfish) and bowling. Actually, he enjoyed just about anything.

Upon leaving the service, Herb began working as a feed salesman and sold feed for many companies, including his own, for 40 years. Upon retiring from Cargill in 1985, he and Neola wintered in Texas for many years before health challenges brought that chapter to a close.

Herb attended Clarion Church of Christ, was a lifetime member of VFW Post 2612 and American Legion Post 246. He volunteered and helped countless people and organizations.

Herb is survived by two daughters, Marla Miller and Leslyn Billman, of Clarion; his brother Wayne Billman of Georgia; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Ethel, brothers Chuck and Harlan, sister Arleen, wife Neola and infant son, Michael.

Click here to view Herb Billman's tribute video