Linn Russell "Russ" Billingsley

Billingsley, Linn Russell “Russ”, age 80, passed away on December 14, 2024 in Wildwood, MO surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Melvin J and Betty Jo Barnes Billingsley in Springfield, Missouri. Russ grew up in rural southwest Missouri and loved animals and farm life. Russ was a graduate of Willard High School and attended the University of Missouri. He moved to St. Louis as a young man and embraced life in the city. Russ spent his entire career with Mack Trucks working in various positions from 1966 to 2008 when he retired as a regional sales manager. During his career with Mack, he was recognized with numerous sales awards and built a great team of valued colleagues with whom he remained close even after retirement.

Russ lettered in basketball at Willard High School and loved music and singing. He was the lead singer for The Chessmen, a local Springfield, Missouri band. He also had a life- long love of outdoor activities such as fishing, trail riding, hiking and throughout their marriage, Russ and Lynda enjoyed traveling. Highlights include a memorable trip to the Grand Canyon and cruising the Rhine, the Northeast coast of the United States and Canada and the Mediterranean. One of Russ’s greatest pleasures was spending time with friends and family and he loved spending time at the family cabin in the Innsbrook Resort community. Russ was an enthusiastic supporter of his children’s activities, volunteering to coach his son Phil’s baseball team and faithfully attending his daughter Cindy’s soccer games and orchestra concerts. Russ also supported his son Phil by volunteering as a leader in Boy Scout Troop 567. Later in life, he demonstrated that same love and support for his grandchildren by faithfully attending dance recitals, music concerts and soccer games. Russ was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, as well as a supporter of Mizzou football and basketball. Russ, inexplicably, eagerly anticipated the Tour de France each year. Russ was a devoted husband to Lynda and loving father, Grandfather, son, brother and uncle who valued family above all else. Russ made his profession of faith as a young man at South Street Christian Church in Springfield and later became a charter member of Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church in Wildwood, Missouri.

Russ is survived by his loving wife of fifty-two years, Lynda Crafton Billingsley, children, Cindy and husband Jim Vilsick of Quincy, Illinois, son, Phil and wife Alyssa Billingsley, of St. Louis, Missouri and grandchildren, Lucy and Theo Vilsick. He is also survived by brother, David M. Billingsley and wife, Debbie of Topeka Kansas and sisters, Joanna Billingsley and husband, Kevin Parnell of Ozark, Missouri and Catherine Boling and husband, Steve of Springfield, Missouri. Also surviving are sister-in-law, Suzy Brauer and brother-in-law, John “Jay” Crafton and wife, Gwen and sister-in-law, Sandy Billingsley.

Russ is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin J and Betty Jo Billingsley, parents-in-law, Earl and Beulah Crafton, and grandparents, Marvin and Ada V. Billingsley and Linn E. and Anna D. Barnes. Russ was also preceded in death by his beloved brother, J Mark Billingsley. Russ is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and his beloved Brittany, Jack.

Russ met his cancer diagnosis, treatment and final days with enormous bravery, humor and strength. He and his family are so appreciative of the care he received from the doctors, nurses and staff of St. Luke’s Hospital and hospice.

Services:   Visitation at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Friday, December 20, from 4-7 p.m. Interment at Holden Cemetery, Holden, MO on Saturday, December 21 at 1 p.m. If desired, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.