Henry Damon (Hank) Billings, a long-time employee of the Springfield News-Leader, died at about 6:20 pm on Friday, June 23rd, 2017, at his home in Springfield, Mo. He had just turned 91 years old.

Hank is predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Anne George Billings. He is survived by his son John Billings (Maria) of Ballwin, MO; a daughter Annie Billings White (Brady) of Arvada, CO; four grandsons, Giovanni Billings (Ashley Smith) of Nashville, TN, Anthony Billings (Lori Wilson) of University City, MO, Joshua Billings (Katy) of Ballwin, MO, and Zachary White of Arvada, CO; a granddaughter Anna-Maria Billings of Ballwin, MO; a great granddaughter Madison Dawn Billings of Ballwin, MO; a great grandson Henry Clayton of Ballwin, MO; a brother-in-law Joe George of Springfield; six nieces, Carolyn Hoftyzer of Springfield, MO, Maggie Henson of Columbia, MO, Amy Montebello (Andy) of Strafford, MO, Amy Billings of Mandeville, LA, Meg George of Los Angeles, CA, Anne Griffin of Springfield, MO, and Martha George of Nashville, IL; four nephews, James Billings (Judy) of Springfield, MO, David Billings (Susan) of Bradenton, FL, Joe George (Becky) of Springfield, MO, Shelly George (Teri) of Mount Pleasant, SC, and Walter (Susan) George of Fairway, KS; and his beloved English bulldog Hedley.

Hank was born in Springfield on June 17, 1926. He was raised in Springfield and was the son of James and Erma Leila (Smith) Billings. He was the youngest of four children. His siblings were Jim, Mary Virginia, and Bill, all who predeceased him. He grew up on Washington Street, close to the campus of Drury College, then moved to a home on Grand Avenue when he was about 12 years old.

Hank attended Boyd Elementary School, Pipkin Junior High School, Jarrett Junior High School, and Springfield High School, where he graduated in 1944. From an early age, Hank developed a love for photography, writing, trains, and airplanes. He wrote articles for various school newspapers.

Upon graduation from high school, Hank began working full time at the Springfield News Leader, where he remained until his retirement in 2001. The only other job Hank held outside the Newspaper was summer employment as a teen for his brother-in-law's construction company, working at Fort Leonard Wood.

Hank began his career at the newspaper writing obituaries and "rewrites" of stories. He then worked in various capacities at the newspaper, including police reporter, entertainment reporter, city editor, regional editor, and editorial page editor. Hank's favorite position was as a reporter. Some of his favorite articles included recounting his flight on a biplane while strapped to the wing, flying with the Blue Angels, traveling to Florida for one of the Apollo launches, and of course, the Springfield cobra scare of 1953. Hank was inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame in 2014.

After his retirement, Hank continued to contribute articles to the Springfield News Leader, focusing on local history, nostalgia, his family, and his dog Hedley.

Hank wed Anne Clayton George in Springfield on November 24, 1952. He delighted in taking her on plane rides around the Ozarks. They also played golf together, and shared their love of the sport with both their children and grandchildren. In addition, Hank was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, and took many trips to St. Louis to attend games with his family.

Hank treasured his time with his five grandchildren. When his three oldest grandsons were still youngsters, each of them would get to spend an entire week at Meme and Day's house in Springfield, swimming, playing golf, and going to the cabin at Lindenlure.

One of Hank's greatest joys was becoming a great grandfather. His first was Madison Dawn, who was born in 2013, and his second, Henry Clayton, was born in 2016. Hank was thrilled to have a namesake.

Hank was a bit reluctant when his wife Anne got an English bulldog in 2011. She named him Hedley, after the British father of one of her dear friends. Hank quickly warmed up to the canine, who became his constant companion after Anne's death in 2015. Hank would often remark about how smart his wife had been to get Hedley to ensure that the surviving spouse would always have a pal at their side when the other one passed.

Hank grew up spending time at his family cabin on the James River. As a young man, he took many float trips on various Ozark Rivers. In 1971, he and Anne bought a cabin at Lindenlure on the Finley River, where his family spent many happy days canoeing, fishing, and swimming. Hank's daughter Annie took him on his last canoe ride on the Finley in July of 2016.

Hank loved any mode of transportation, including airplanes and trains. He learned how to fly his senior year of high school, and got his pilot's license the same day as his high school graduation. Hank flew for the Springfield News Leader, as well as for pleasure, courting Anne during plane rides. Hank flew a plane for the last time on his 75th birthday, accompanied by his son and oldest grandson. He also had his one and only hot air balloon ride on his 80th birthday with his daughter in Boulder, CO.

Hank was grounded by his strong Christian faith. Through the years, he was involved in a number of church-related activities, including attending Full Gospel Businessman's Fellowship meetings, serving as a lay reader in the Episcopal church, conducting informal Sunday church services during the summer around favorite camping spots in the Ozarks, and holding monthly church services at the Mary E. Wilson retirement home. Hank regularly attended men's bible studies throughout the years, and shared a love for learning more about the bible with his wife Anne.

Hank always had a prayer ready on his lips in every situation, whether it was praying for traveling mercies for friends and family, or for healing and strength for loved ones.

During the last few years of life, Hank suffered from failing eyesight and a congenital hip ailment. Even though he was often frustrated by not being able to see, and he winced with pain each step he took, he endured it all with a smile and without complaint.

Hank's family will always remember him as a man of integrity who could be counted on to keep his word. He was consistent, reassuring, and unflappable. He entertained one and all with his quick wit and dry sense of humor.

Readers can rest assured that Hank's dog Hedley is now in a new loving home, beginning a new life with a dear family friend. Hank took comfort in the fact that this arrangement was made before his passing,

Visitation is Thursday, June 29 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole. The funeral service will be held at All Saints Anglican Church, 2751 E. Galloway St., on Friday, June 30, at 10:00 am . Burial will follow in Hazelwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Springfield Victory Mission.