Gerald ""Butch Leon Billings

Lifelong Grand Junction resident, Gerald “Butch “Billings peacefully passed away in his sleep December 4, 2016. Butch was born June 19, 1936 to parents Evelyn and Don Billings. His Aunt Joy and Uncle Frank Jaros along with stepfather George Boothe heavily influenced Butch’s upbringing. He attended Appleton Elementary and graduated from Grand Junction High School.

Butch was raised with a very strong work ethic. At 5 years old he sold newspapers at the local bus stop. As a teenager he worked as a bellhop for the LaCourt Hotel. Later he became a uranium miner until he was dismissed for being under age. Butch became a top salesman for a number of local businesses, mostly auto parts related.

On September 1, 1956, he married the love of his life Fern Clardy and had three children. They opened Billings Auto Parts in 1972 and soon after opened The Color Wheel. Butch tirelessly grew his parts business to include, two auto parts stores (GJ and Fruita), two automotive paint stores (GJ and Glenwood Springs), as well as an auto parts warehouse (GJ). Butch and Fern sold out and retired in 1996.

Butch had many interests over the years and loved the outdoors. He was an avid bow hunter, founding member of the Grand Mesa Bowmen Archery Club, and patient fisherman. This evolved into owning and developing his pride and joy; a 160-acre cabin retreat on upper Glade Park where he spent most of his spare time working, fishing, and enjoying the little piece of heaven he created.

Butch couldn’t pass up what he considered a good deal, spending Saturdays at the 8th and Pitkin auction. Most mornings he could be found at the coffee shop sitting with friends and contemplating the local and world news. Butch lived, loved, and traveled this area for 80 years.

Butch leaves behind his loving wife Fern of 60 years; 3 children and their spouses, Cherie (Van) Craig, Mike (Lori) Billings, and Jim (Brenda) Billings; 4 grandchildren, Jessica (Matt) Vaughn, Patrick (Jennifer) Laybourn, Dustin (Emilie) Billings and Robyn Billings; 8 great-grandchildren; sister Renita Boothe, and many other family and friends. Butch was preceded in death by his parents, stepsiblings, dear friends, and his truly dearest friend, “Dugan” Propernick.

Memorial services will be held at Friday, December 9th, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary, 2515 Patterson Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81505.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.