Harry "Buddy" Billen

After a long and courageous battle with dementia, Harry “Buddy” DeWilton Billen peacefully passed away on April 8, 2022, at the age of 89. Born on September 11, 1932, in Edmond, Oklahoma, Buddy was preceded in death by his mother Arlene P. Calvin Billen, his father Harry G. Billen, and his son Timmy D. Billen. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Terry Phillips-Billen; daughter Kim Rainbolt (spouse David); two grandsons Sam (spouse Kylee) and Jake; sister Penny Cron Billen; brother Max Billen; and multiple nieces and nephews. Buddy grew up in Edmond and his musical career began as a 7-year-old who found an old beat-up trumpet. He played up until he turned 81, but never quit loving good jazz and big band sounds. His first gig was in junior high at the Springlake Pavilion. After studying at North Texas State and Oklahoma City University, he went on the road playing with the Merle Lindsay Oklahoma Night Riders, Hank Thompson, Ralph Marterie, Billy May, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and Wood Herman. His least favorite “gig” was spending four months with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Band. In the 60’s Buddy formed his own band and they played two or three times a week. Jazz, Dixieland, and dance music were the norm. The band played in area night clubs, country clubs, private homes, and for an array of special events and occasions including the spring Oklahoma Arts Festival. Music to Buddy was his life! He loved entertaining. Over the years, Bud accumulated a number of trumpets. When approached for lessons or support by the parents of young people interested in pursuing the trumpet, he would give one of the trumpets to the student with the understanding that if they did not pursue music and/or quit playing, to return the trumpet so it could be shared with another music student. He never got one back! Buddy and his wife Terry met late in life and actually while they were both touring on the then Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce “Goodwill Tour”. The two were drawn together by their love for people, good food, cooking, music, golf, schnauzers, fishing, and weekend getaways to Lake Tenkiller for 20+ years. Buddy had several “daytime” careers throughout the years, and after selling his printing and specialty item business, he settled in with the Impressions Printing company where he retired in 2014. He was inducted into the India Shrine Temple of Oklahoma City in 1964 and member of the India Shrine Band, a 32nd Degree Mason, and a former member of the Northwest Oklahoma City Rotary. A special thank you to Buddy’s care teams who showed compassion and love: Right at Home; Integris Baptist Hospital 6th Floor; and Ignite Rehab. In lieu of flowers, consider donating in Buddy’s memory to the non-profit of your choice.