Charles Billingsley Obituary

Charles Robert "Bob" Billingsley, Sr., age 80, of Lacon, IL, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois.
Bob was born on May 26, 1944, in Harrisburg, Illinois, to the late Charles O. Billingsley and Frances (Skiles) Billingsley Martin. He married the love of his life, Judy Carrol Walden, on May 26, 1962, in Bellevue, IL. He was preceded in death by Judy on December 9, 2024.
Surviving are his children, Connie (Mark) Cranford of East Peoria, Charles R. "Bob" (Melody) Billingsley, Jr., of Canton, Chris (Angie) Billingsley of East Peoria, and Chad Billingsley of Peoria Heights; his grandchildren, Alexi (Kyle) Sobotka, Trent, Cameron (Cori), MacKenzi, and Vanessa Billingsley, Jacob, Tyler, and Lucas Billingsley, and Jamie and Jordan Billingsley; and many great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters Marylin Dawkins and June Green.
Bob worked for many years at Peoria Kitchen Tops. He eventually started his own company, National Laminates, Inc., which he owned and operated for over 20 years until his retirement.
He was a ham radio and CB operator and belonged to the Peoria Area Amateur Radio Club. Bob was of the Christian faith and took comfort in his certainty of eternal life. Family was always a top priority with Bob and he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his wife and kids playing cards and games. Kings Corners was his favorite. Bob loved his family unconditionally and taught by example. His solid work ethic and ever positive attitude, always seeing the good in people, were passed on to his children.
Bob's children would like to thank the entire staff of Lacon Rehab and Nursing, who became our second family and took such good care of our parents when we were no longer able. We also extend our sincere gratitude to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home for their loving and gentle care of dad and our family. A special thanks to the OSF Palliative Care Team, specifically Dr Rida Gareeb, who guided us through this difficult journey with such genuine compassion and empathy.
Cremation rites will be accorded and a Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, June 20th, at the Lacon Community Center, 405 N Washington St, Lacon, IL, 61540, immediately followed by a luncheon. All are welcome.
Memorials in Bob's name may be made to Lacon Rehab and Nursing or OSF Richard L Owens Hospice Home. Online condolences may be left at lenzmemorialhome.com.
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