Galen E. "Jug" Billings

Galen E. “Jug” Billings, age 87, of Topeka passed peacefully Sunday, March 7, 2021 after a brief illness.  Galen was born August 22, 1933 in Topeka the son of Harry and Kathryn (Saunders) Billings.  He was the oldest of three children born to this union.  Galen grew up in North Topeka, graduating from Seaman High School in 1952.  He spent the majority of his life in North Topeka.  On November 24, 1951, he married his true love, Bonnie Jean Doud.  They raised four boys, Steven, Alan, Danny and Jerry.

Galen enlisted and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War on the tank brigade.  He talked about that time, realizing war was servicemen fighting something decided by country leaders, but all soldiers had families and wondered what they were doing fighting one another.  Before Galen was deployed, he was given a “lucky” silver dollar that he carried every day, smoothed by time.  While in the service, Galen received numerous service-related honors, such as the Korean Service Medal, a Bronze Star, UN Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.  After he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Galen went to work for his dad, who owned the Billings Service Station in North Topeka.  He later would go to work for Goodyear Tire and Rubber, retiring in 1989.

After retirement, he helped his sons with their racing endeavours, from motorcycles, micro sprints, quads, go carts and sprint cars, machining and fabricating parts for the motors which led to many successful nights at racetracks throughout the Midwest.  Galen was a helpful, humble man, willing to help anyone with anything.

Galen was preceded in death by a sister, Janice Lowe.  Galen is survived by his wife of over 69 years, Bonnie Billings; four sons, Steven (Sue) Billings, Alan (Karla) Billings, Danny (Jeanne) Billings and Jerry (Alyson) Billings; a brother, Brian Billings; seven granddaughters; two grandsons; 14 great grandchildren; one great-great grandson and multiple nieces, nephews and cousins.

Private family graveside services are planned.  Memorials may be made to the Helping Hands Humane Society or Midland Hospice Care and sent in care of the Davidson Funeral Home.       davidsonfuneral.com