Leon E. Billstone

Leon Elwood "Junior" Billstone, 81, formerly of Littleton, Colorado, passed away at Mesilla Valley Hospice in Las Cruces, New Mexico on May 19, 2011. Junior was born May 12, 1930, to Albert and Marie Billstone (deceased) in Englewood, Colorado. He is survived by Elaine, his wife of 57 years, brother Leland Billstone (wife Betty), sister, Marilyn Birmingham, and his daughters: Vickie (husband John Leeming), Lori (husband Terrelle Wilson), and Jodi Billstone. Junior was the proud grandpa of John, Stephanie, and Tamara Wilson. Junior graduated in 1948 from Englewood High School in Colorado. He studied engineering and math at Colorado University Extension and worked for the Public Service Company of Colorado as a draftsman and engineering technician. In 1951 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion as a construction electrician. He served from 1952 to 1954 in Korea and the South Pacific theatre. He was discharged from the Navy in February of 1954. Shortly afterwards he married his high school sweetheart, Elaine, in Englewood, Colorado. From 1954 to 1963 he worked for Goorman Electric, first as an electrical apprentice and construction foreman, then as Director of Facility and Project Manager. From 1964 until 1976 he worked for Kennedy Electric, first as a Service Electrician, then Service Manager, and finally as Executive Vice President. Junior earned his Master Electrician License from the State of Colorado in 1965. Junior was active member of the Littleton community. A four year volunteer with the State of Colorado Sheriff's Posse, motorcycle division, a lifetime active member of the Sertoma Club, a patron of the Denver Symphony, Junior enjoyed 4-wheeling and camping in the Colorado Mountains with his family and working with wood and metal in his workshop. In 1976 Junior started Custom Allcrafts Company. He provided remodeling services then he moved to installing and servicing Generac generators, dba Custom Power Systems, which he continued to do for the southwest region until his retirement. In 1994 Junior and Elaine retired to Las Cruces where they embraced the community becoming active in the Sertoma Club, Hospitality Club, Horseless Carriage Club, Las Cruces and Dona Ana County Airport Advisory Boards. Junior became heavily involved in the EAA Chapter 555 at the Las Cruces Airport serving as Secretary/Treasurer and Newsletter Editor until his death. Junior has also served on various city and county government boards, Extra-Territorial Zoning Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, and faithfully attended the Las Cruces City Council where his contracting experience proved invaluable. He was a good friend, mentor and family man. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 3:00 pm at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Las Cruces. In lieu of flowers the family asked that donations be sent to the EAA Chapter 555 or St. Paul's Methodist Church Memorial Fund. PDF Printable Version