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Monroe County Appeal
Paris Mercury & Madison Times

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RICHARD J. FREDRICK
Publisher 
DAVID EALES
Editor
MEGAN HULEN
Advertising/Classified Manager
MELANIE WEBB
Advertising
CHELSEA LUNTSFORD
Graphic Design
JOANNE BONNEY
Bookkeeper/Typesetter

What a difference 35 years makes! Robbie Turner started as secretary for the City of Paris on May 8, 1977, at that time gas cost 65 cents a gallon, bread was 36 cents a loaf and milk cost $1.67 a gallon.
   Now Turner is retiring from the city after 35 years of service to the community and those prices have skyrocketed to close to all time highs.
   Turner graduated from Paris High School, went to Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg) and attended Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University, Kirksville) before returning to Paris to settle down.
   Turner took the job as secretary at City Hall and later in the same year married Larry Turner.
   “I felt that the biggest strengths I had when I was hired for my first job were my efficiency and that I was very capable at what they had hired me to do,” said Turner. “I was also and still am really good with people.”
   Turner has had a diverse job history at city hall as she started as a secretary, spent at least three years as city clerk before settling in as the head of utility billing.
   “In the beginning two people did all the billing by hand and then switched with each other to check the numbers to make sure we were billing correctly,” said Turner.
   In utility billing, Turner does all of the billing for city utilities including water, sewer, electric and trash; she does all the collecting; and also deposits all of the monies collected. She is also responsible for customer service and billing input. Adding to her duties, Turner is also the City Collector and reports taxes collected to the City Council members and the mayor.
   “The biggest difference between today and when I started is technology,” said Turner. “When I started the job was fulltime but with computers now it has gone to a part-time position.”
   Turner was quick to add that even with the use of computers she still double checks the bills to maintain accuracy.
   “We have to be consistent here at the city in all that we do and I think that we have treated everyone fairly and consistent,” added Turner. “We still have a double checking policy and the computer flags accounts that have irregularities. We still have to input the readings from the meter readers but the city is moving toward automatic readers.”
   “This has been a great job,” explained Turner. “I have worked with some extremely competent people – city councils, mayors, city workers – they have been a pleasure to work with.”
   “I feel that if you are not the biggest supporter and cheerleader for the city – then you do not need to work here,” said a passionate Turner.
   When asked why she picked now to retire Turner replied, “I felt like the time was right. I always felt like I would know when the time was right and I feel that time is now.”
   Turner noted that people are always asking her now what she is going to do with her free time.
   “I always think I have to answer that I am going to write a novel or start a business,” said Turner. “But what I do tell them is I am going to keep my pj’s on till noon then eat lunch and take a nap; then I will take Blake to the pool. That’s all for the summer check back in August for my fall plans!”
   In her spare time Turner enjoys reading, spending quality time with her family, cooking and she is very active in her church.
   Turner and her husband have three children – Beth, Adam (Cara) and Kyle (Tracy). They have three grandchildren – Blake, Riley and Evan with a fourth due in the fall.
   “This was a great job and I am going to miss everyone,” said Turner in closing.
   After talking to numerous city employees, Robbie Turner will also be missed.
   “Working with Robbie over the past fourteen years has been fun and a good learning experience,” said Paris City Clerk Lisa Hollingsworth. “I have been amazed at the knowledge she has over her department and the pride she has taken in doing her job well. There isn’t much that gets by her when it comes to utilities and the citizens of Paris. She and I have not only enjoyed a good working relationship but we have grown to be great friends. Over the years we have enjoyed talking about our children and then our grandchildren, books, Sunday sermons and even politics. We have shared each other’s secrets and kept each other in our prayers. I will miss this trusted friend and colleague but I know she will enjoy spending time with her family and wish her all the best in the world.”
   “When I began my employment with the City of Paris, a little over ten years ago, I was quick to learn any questions about utility billing was Robbie’s territory,” said City of Paris Superintendent Phillip Shatzer. “I have always been amazed when the meter readings were turned in how she knew instantaneously whose readings were incorrect and there was a problem. In her thirty-five years Robbie has dealt with about every issue, which every small city encounters and remained steadfast in her commitment to help make Paris a great place to live and is quick to express support for this community. Her tremendous knowledge will be sadly missed and I wish her the best in her retirement and I know she will enjoy spending time with her family and friends. It has been a privilege and honor to work with you.”   3751

Madison will be a busy place over the Saturday, May 5, and Sunday, May 6 weekend.
   On Saturday, May 5, beginning at 7:30 p.m. the Miss Madison Pageant will be held in the Madison C-3 gymnasium.
   Thirteen girls will be competing for three crowns.
   Miss Madison: Jessie Walter the 17-year-old daughter of Harold and Elizabeth Walter, of Madison; and Destinee Clark, the 16 year old daughter of Debbie and Brian Hook, of Madison, will compete for the title of Miss Madison.
   Junior Miss contestants are - Hannah Deaver, Maddison Breid and Brianna Skaggs.
   Young Miss Madison contestants include Olivia Huddleston, Ashley Redenbaugh, Payton Hook, Rebekah Ketchem, Katie Thomas, Abbie Thomas, Miranda Breid and Kaitlynn Taylor.
   Tickets may be purchased at the door or may be purchased from a contestant.
   On Sunday, May 6, everyone is invited to the Madison Area Community Center for the Madison Baby Show and the Little Mr. and Miss Pageant plus the crowning of the 2012 Grandma Madison. The theme this year is “Welcome to the Tropics” and reflects a warm tropical paradise.
   Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. The Little Pageant and Baby Show are open to children of surrounding towns as well as Madison. Ages for the baby show are from birth to 23 months and the Little Pageant from 24 months to seven years of age. The Little Pageant will immediately follow the baby show.
   Trophies and crowns will be awarded to the winner with a small entry fee.
   Last year’s winners that will be on hand to crown the new candidates include Miss Madison Courtney Hendren, Junior Miss Madison Katie Youse and Young Miss Madison Danielle Herron.   3752

(Top) Paris Prom Royalty!!! Crowned 2012 Paris Prom Royalty at the 2012 Paris Prom were, left to right, 2012 Prom King Austin Tawney, 2012 Prom Queen Susan Baldwin, 2012 Prom Princess Haley Fredrick and 2012 Prince Austin Norwald.
   (Bottom) Madison Prom Royalty!!! Crowned 2012 Madison Prom Royalty at the 2012 Madison Prom were, left to right, 2012 Prom First Attendant Taylor Salmons, 2012 Prom Queen Hayley Dubbert, 2012 Prom King Shawn Boillot and First Attendant Tylor Milner.   3754

For almost 50 years, the not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) has offered a helping hand to people in need in Monroe County.
   The Monroe County Commission recently signed a proclamation designating May as NECAC Community Action Month to coincide with National Community Action Month. NECAC is joining the 18 other Community Action Agencies in Missouri and a network of more than 1,000 across the nation in the observance.
   NECAC is a 12-county area not-for-profit social service, community health and public housing Community Action Agency that serves the low-income, elderly, youth, disabled and disadvantaged. The agency’s Central Administration Offices are located in Bowling Green, with NECAC Service Centers operated in each county.
   NECAC President and Chief Executive Officer Don Patrick said Community Action programs and services have helped improve the lives of thousands of people in the agency’s 12 counties.
   “We are pleased to join Community Action Agencies across the United States in observing almost five decades of helping people and changing lives,” Patrick said. “This is a time when we can highlight the important social service, community health and public housing assistance that we deliver to those who need our services.”
    “It’s important to recognize that without Community Action, many of the neediest among us would not get the services they need to improve their lives,” said NECAC County Service Programs (CSBG) Director Betty Whittaker. “We provide temporary assistance to our neighbors in need, helping them to become self-sufficient to build better lives.”
   Common Community Action programs include employment and training services, housing rent-assistance, energy assistance, home‑ownership, home weatherization and repairs, affordable housing, senior and family apartment developments, family planning health services, in‑home senior care services, volunteer programs for seniors, and county outreach programs.
   NECAC, established in 1964, delivers more than 60 social service, community health and public housing programs to clients through contracts and grants with federal, state and local governments, private businesses and other non-profit organizations. The agency programs provide for repairs, affordable housing, senior and family apartment developments, family planning health services, in‑home senior care services, volunteer programs for seniors, and county outreach programs.
   NECAC, established in 1964, delivers more than 60 social service, community health and public housing programs to clients through contracts and grants with federal, state and local governments, private businesses and other non-profit organizations. The agency has more than 110 full-time and more than 250 part-time employees, and currently operates a budget of more than $26 million.
   NECAC is governed by a 36-member volunteer Board of Directors with three representatives from each of the 12 counties. The Board consists of one Public Elected Official (PEO) representative, one Civic Interest Representative (CIR) and one Low-Income Representative (LIR) from each county. Lyndon Bode, Presiding Commissioner of Marion County, is the Chairman of the Board.
   Serving on the NECAC Board from Monroe County are County Commissioner Mike Whelan of rural Stoutsville as the PEO, Ron Greeson of Paris as the CIR and Maxine Jones of Holliday as the LIR.
   More information about NECAC programs and services is available by calling (660) 327-4110 or visiting the NECAC Monroe County Service Center, 314 N. Washington in Paris, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.   3755

The Middle Grove Home & School Club will host its annual Spring Fling fundraising event, Saturday, May 5, at the school, located seven miles east of Moberly on Route M. The carnival and cake walk will run from 2:30-3:30 p.m., followed by the Middle Grove’s Got Talent show. From 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., a full meal of pulled pork barbeque, potato salad, coleslaw, homemade desserts and drinks will be served. To be auctioned at 6:00 p.m., a Branson get-away package, including Silver Dollar City tickets. Also in the auction are: Six Flags tickets, Pear Tree gift certificate, Royals tickets, Husqvarna trimmer, turkey fryer, weed eater, Everlast punching bag, tool sets, dog, horse and cat products, and many other items, as well as the classroom baskets.
   Carnival admission is $5.00 per armband. Prices for the meal are $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for all students and no charge for children age 3 and under. For further information, please contact the school, at 660-291¬8583 or Shannon Bright at 660-291-9360.   3756

The Middle Grove Home & School Club will host its annual Spring Fling fundraising event, Saturday, May 5, at the school, located seven miles east of Moberly on Route M. The carnival and cake walk will run from 2:30-3:30 p.m., followed by the Middle Grove’s Got Talent show. From 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., a full meal of pulled pork barbeque, potato salad, coleslaw, homemade desserts and drinks will be served. To be auctioned at 6:00 p.m., a Branson get-away package, including Silver Dollar City tickets. Also in the auction are: Six Flags tickets, Pear Tree gift certificate, Royals tickets, Husqvarna trimmer, turkey fryer, weed eater, Everlast punching bag, tool sets, dog, horse and cat products, and many other items, as well as the classroom baskets.
   Carnival admission is $5.00 per armband. Prices for the meal are $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for all students and no charge for children age 3 and under. For further information, please contact the school, at 660-291-8583 or Shannon Bright at 660-291-9360.   3757

Members of the Paris Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Chapter recently attended the 2012 Missouri FBLA Leadership Conference held on April 22, 23 and 24 in Columbia.
   FBLA is a career and technical student organization for all high school students participating in business programs. Over 2,750 members and advisers representing 426 chapters throughout the state met to elect state officers, transact business of the state chapter, participate in leadership and career workshops, and compete in the state leadership awards program.
   Delegates representing the Paris FBLA in the state competitive leadership awards program are pictured above.
   Winning recognition at the state conference were:
   •Paris FBLA Chapter-Received the Award of Merit
   •Mrs. Sidney Wheelan-One of the Missouri Outstanding Business Persons of the Year
   •Shelby DeTienne-Outstanding Service in Local Chapter Award
   •Joseph Kendrick-10th Place in Database Design and Application
   •Paul Turner-8th Place in Who’s Who in Missouri FBLA
   •Heather DeOrnellis, Josh Ebbesmeyer, and Paul Turner-4th Place in Management Decision Making
   •Danielle Wheelan-3rd Place in Public Speaking I
   •Rae Graupman-2nd Place in Client Service
   •Teddy Ebbesmeyer, Katie Otto, and Danielle Wheelan-2nd Place in Emerging Business Issues
   •Josh Ebbesmeyer-Business Achievement Awards--America Level Recognition at State and Nationals
   •Paul Turner-Business Achievement Awards--America Level Recognition at State and Nationals
   Six delegate(s) from the Paris FBLA will attend the National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas Wednesday, June 27, to Monday, July 2.
   •Josh Ebbesmeyer
   •Teddy Ebbesmeyer
   •Ray Graupman
   •Katie Otto
   •Paul Turner
   •Danielle Wheelan
   Barbara Mason is the local chapter adviser and accompanied the students to the conference along with parents Marie Ebbesmeyer, Lynn Turner and Sidney Wheelan.   3758

In an effort to teach local teens and adults about the dangers of texting and driving, during the week of May 7 six northeast Missouri schools will proudly host the “Remember Alex Brown Foundation,” organized by the family of teenager Alex Brown who tragically lost her life while texting and driving while on her way to school one morning.
   The Brown family has been featured on the Today Show, Oprah and Extreme Home Makeover. The father, mother and younger sister bring a powerful message to students and their parents’ first-hand about the dangers of distracted driving. “Distracted driving is becoming too commonplace, and young drivers need to be aware of the potential life-threatening consequences of distracted driving,” said MoDOT’s Northeast District Engineer Paula Gough. “The importance of educating our communities about the dangers of distracted driving cannot be over-emphasized,” explained Gough.
   The following schools in northeast Missouri will be hosting presentations on the dates and times indicated. Communities are welcome and encouraged to attend any of these presentations.
   • Tuesday, May 8, at 7 p.m. at Mexico High School gymnasium, in Mexico
   • Wednesday, May 9, at 9 a.m. at Wellsville High School gymnasium, in Wellsville
   • Wednesday, May 9, at 1 p.m. at Clopton High School gymnasium located on Route W south of Clarksville
   • Thursday, May 10, at 10 a.m. at South Shelby High School gymnasium, in Shelbina
   • Thursday, May 10, at 1 p.m. at Hannibal High School at Korf Gymnasium, in Hannibal
   • Friday, May 11, at 10:30 a.m. at Madison High School gymnasium, in Madison
   The Remember Alex Brown Foundation travels all over the United States free of charge to schools and communities. In order for the Brown’s to continue their travels, the following entities have donated to the Brown’s visit while in northeast Missouri: NE Coalition for Roadway Safety, the Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments, Best Western on the River of Hannibal, Wal-Mart of Hannibal, American Family Insurance Agents Steve Lewton, Justin Parker and Jason Utterback, Benson Financial Group, Michael Spaulding with Farm Bureau Insurance, and Dick Minor with Insurance Services. “We are thankful for the support, but not surprised, because our sponsors know the dangers of texting and driving and the importance of getting the message across to audiences of all ages,” said MoDOT Customer Relations Specialist Tana Akright, who coordinated the event on behalf of the NE Coalition for Roadway Safety.
   For more information, please contact MoDOT Customer Service Center at 573-248-2490. You can also visit us online at www.modot.mo.gov/northeast.   3759

George Hunter called the Wednesday, April 18, meeting to order at 12:40 p.m. Attending were: Administrator Tara Sheffield; President George Hunter; and board members Edwin Bush, Jim Johnston, Sarah Dawson, Donna Emmert, Harold Johannaber and Mary Curtright. Board member Carole Hartel was absent.
   Minutes of the March 21 meeting were read. Jim Johnston made a motion to accept minutes as read. Harold Johannaber seconded. Motion carried.
   Administrator’s Report:
   Administrator Tara Sheffield reported the current checking account balance is negative $134.74. Current savings account is $1,384.21; debt service account balance is $2,985.50. We also owe Kohls $8,659.61. The monthly food cost is $7,063.10. NEMO AAA checks and United Way monthly checks have not been received to date. Fundraiser and catered meals total $3,806.50 for March. We also received $762.00 in donations in the month of March. Profit and loss statements and check detail reports were reviewed.
   Administrator Sheffield expressed how the grant will help meet the needs of the Center. With some funding being restored, we should also receive a 2.3% increase in funding from NEMO AAA. Fundraising will still need to continue. The first breakfast had 77 persons eating and now with only 40 persons eating breakfast, it doesn’t pay.
   Administrator Sheffield reported we need to prepare for an election of new board members. The terms of Sarah Dawson and Edwin Bush are expiring and Ed Torreyson has resigned. We need to fill three vacancies and persons interested in becoming a board member are asked to sign up in the dining room at the center no later than Monday, May 14. NEMO AAA by-laws will be followed in filling the vacancies. Terms of new members will begin Sunday, July 1. Copies of by-laws were given to all board members for their information.
   Administrator Sheffield is working on a grant for equipment up to $20,000. This is due by Friday, May 4.
   Kathy Gilmore and Administrator Sheffield attended the allocation meeting with the board of directors for United Way on April 16. They requested $20,000. United Way board of directors had never been presented with financial paperwork before from Paris Senior Center. They were impressed and Administrator Sheffield was glad Kathy also attended. Kathy was an added benefit for their presentation.
   The food bank is going to have the Center as one of the first to have on-line ordering. This will be an easier way to order food from them.
   Cooks Night Off will be April 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. Board members were asked to support this fundraiser and invite people in the community to join us.
   Administrator Sheffield is going to try to take three days vacation on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, May 16, 17 and 18. These are the three days she could carry over from her second vacation week. May 16 is a conflict with the date for the May meeting. Administrator Sheffield suggested leaving the board meeting on May 16 for now. She will try to work something out.
   An auditor from Missouri Rural Services (Workers Comp Insurance) will be here on Wednesday, May 16. Kathy Gilmore will be meeting with him at the Senior Center at 1 p.m.
   Diane Sanders with Experience Works is now able to work 20 hours per week instead of 15 hours.
   Administrator Sheffield expressed thanks to all who helped remove items off the floor so we could have the floors buffed and waxed.
   The Center will be rented on Saturday, April 21, for a birthday party.
   Administrator Sheffield presented for discussion a wish list for items from the first disbursement from the MFH grant. Items suggested were a Microsoft Office program for the computer, new phones and answering machine, bonuses for the cooks, food processor for the kitchen, lease a new dishwasher from Kohl Wholesale, flat top grill for the kitchen, a new sign for outside, a new canopy for the front entrance, a copier or printer to do color copies, and roof coating.
   Donna Emmert made a motion to accept administrator’s report. Edwin Bush seconded. Motion carried.
   New Business:
   George Hunter reported Administrator Sheffield needs to evaluate personnel. She also needs to check vacation and sick leave balances. Employees can accumulate 18 days sick leave and vacation per year and can only carry over three days. We also discussed how to handle use of vacation and sick leave in the event of extended time off.
   At 1:35 p.m. Jim Johnston made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Harold Johannaber seconded. Motion carried.   3760

Chapter Y P.E.O. met at the home of Beth Putrah on Sunday, April 22. Chapter Y sisters welcomed Carol Schoonover as a new sister. President Kathy Gilmore conducted the meeting and the sisters were updated on the six P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) projects. These projects include the following: P.E.O. Education Loan Fund, International Peace Scholarship, Program for Continuing Education, Scholar Awards, Star Scholarship and Cottey College.
   P.E.O. is passionate about its mission: promoting the educational opportunities for women. We make a difference in the lives of women.Chapter Y is supporting two 6th grade high academic achievers Madison Wheelan and Bobbie Wisdom. These two young women were selected to attend the summer High Achievement Academic College Program for Kids in Fulton.
   The next meeting of Chapter Y P.E.O. will be in the home of Anita Ness on Monday, May 14, at 7 p.m.   3761

Village of Holliday Board met on Saturday, April 7, at 10 a.m. in the Callison Building.
   Chairman Mike Dawson and board members David Kirtlink and Ronnie Bridgeman were given their oath of office.
   A motion was made for Jennifer Glasson to be the new town clerk. Jennifer Glassonalso took her oath of office.
   Items discussed were:
   •Number of tin horns needed and cost for renting equipment to put in the new tin horns
   •Loose dogs in the community
   •Unmowed lots and lawns
   •Possible ordinance was discussed to make sure lots and lawns would be kept clean   3762

Anna E. Moffatt, 97, of Paris, passed away at the Monroe Manor Nursing Home, in Paris on Thursday, April 26.
   Mrs. Moffatt was born on May 17, 1914, in Centralia, the daughter of Thomas Bennett and MabelFrances Colborn Barker. She was married to William C. Moffatt on June 2, 1938, in Hensdale, Ill. He predeceased her on Aug. 28, 1994. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Paris, worked for Bailey’s Department Store, drove a truck for her husband when he worked for the City of Paris and was the phone person for the OATS Bus at one time.
   Mrs. Moffatt is survived by two sons: Robert William (Norene) Moffatt, of Neosho, and James Roy (Brenda) Moffatt, of Paris; six grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and one sister: Nellie Forrest, of Mexico.
   She was predeceased by her husband; one daughter: Barbara Ann Millard 1991; three sisters and one brother.
   Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, at Walnut Grove Cemetery, in Paris, with Reverend Wesley Hammond officiating.
   Agnew Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Monroe Manor Nursing Home or the Monroe County Health Department.   3763

Born Oct. 10, 1935 to Clarence Earl and Katherine Ruth (Heathman) Blackaby, William “Bill” Ray Blackaby, 76, passed away early on Friday, April 27, from the effects of bone cancer.
   Bill graduated from Paris High School, in Paris, in 1953. In 1954, he enlisted in the United States Army. Bill’s active duty took him to posts in Virginia, Alaska, South Korea, West Germany and finally Fort Carson, Colo. A highlight of his military service was being a member of Fort Carson mountain rescue team that conducted emergency rescue operations as well as public exhibitions of mountain climbing skills. He frequently recounted stories of nearly blind midnight mountain walks led by an old “Swede” to break new team members of any fear of heights. In August of 1961, the Fort Carson mountain rescue unit was part of what The Pueblo Chieftain called “the largest manhunt in Southern Colorado history” after a seven-year-old boy, Johnny Valles, went missing. The mountain rescue operation ended successfully after more than 72 hours when Bill located the boy in the rugged hill country.
   Bill was honorably discharged in late 1968 but would later return to military service joining the Missouri Army National Guard in 1975. He rose to the rank of Sergeant Major (E-9) before retiring in 1982 with a combined 22 years of military service.
   Bill married Annette Baker on Nov. 24, 1957, in Mexico, and the couple spent their early marriage in West Germany and Colorado. Following discharge, the couple returned to Paris. Over the years, he worked in the agriculture business for Callis Farm Service and Brayton Chemicals (later Brayton Wilbur-Ellis). A position with Con-Agra took the couple to Pittsfield, Ill. for a short period of time before Bill retired from the agriculture business. The couple returned to the area and settled in Mexico. In retirement, Bill took a position as barracks supervisor for the Missouri Military Academy.
   In recent years, Bill and Ann spent much of their time traveling frequently to Colorado, California, Kentucky, Montana and Texas visiting friends and family including lifelong military friends Dan Wilcox and Vance Austin. At home, Bill constructed an enclosed porch swing from which the couple spent hours watching wildlife, visiting friends and enjoying quiet time.
   Bill was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Earl Blackaby and mother Katherine Ruth (Heathman) Durbin.
   He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Annette (Baker); his daughter, Katherine (Stephen) Fisher, of Vandalia; a son„ Dean (Janet) Blackaby, of Helena, Mont.; and another son, Dan. of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by seven grandchildren (Kurt, LeAnn and Carrie Fisher; Graham, Kelsey, Faith and Addison Blackaby)
   Visitation was held at Agnew Funeral Home in Paris on Wednesday, May 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. Graveside services were on Thursday, May 3, with full military honors at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, in Jacksonville.
   In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Bill’s name to J.B. and Greta B. Arthur Cancer Center.   3764

Michael William Billett, Sr., 56, of Perry, passed Friday, April 20, in Lyons, Ill.
   He was born April 26, 1955, in Berwyn, Ill., the son of Richard Crary and Carol Lee Hessing Billett. He was married to Karen Hickey in 1985 and she survives in Beloit, Kan.
   Other survivors include his mother: Carol Billett, of Perry; three sons: Michael W. Billett, Jr., Justin Billett, and Brandon Billett, all of Beloit; three brothers and sisters-in-law: Steve (Holly) Billett, of Perry, Kenneth (Melanie) Billett, of Irving, Texas, and Douglas (Michelle) Billett, of Austin, Texas; and two grandchildren: Reznor Billett and Mason Billett, both of Beloit.
   He was preceded in death by his father.
   Mr. Billett was Methodist by faith and a machinist by trade. He enjoyed being outdoors.
    Visitation will be Saturday, May 5, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Perry Baptist Church. Private family internment services will be at a later date. Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 5, at the church, with Reverend Dan Porter and Brent Johnson officiating.
   Arrangements are under the direction of Bienhoff Funeral Home, Perry.
   Memorial contributions may be made to Perry Baptist Church or Perry Christian Academy.
   Online condolences may be made at www.bienhofffuneralhome.com   3765