Rexford "Rex" Billings

Rexford H. "Rex" Billings, age 93 of Stanton, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at The Brook of Big Rapids under the care of Hospice of Michigan. The son of Lauren & Ruth (Perry) Billings, he was born on October 15, 1932 in Goodrich, Michigan. On March 29, 1952 in Angola, Indiana, he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Mae Shepherd, and together they wrote a 72-year love story.

After receiving his master’s degree from Michigan State University, Rex began his career as an educator, having taught biology, chemistry, and woodshop, at Ionia, Stanton, and Montcalm Community College, before retiring as a middle school principal.

Rex was an accomplished wood-carver and enjoyed working with his hands. He whittled many carvings, built campers, canoes, and worked as a builder during the summer months building houses, additions, and decks for over 20 years. He also enjoyed fishing, traveling, and camping with his family. He was also very active in his church, teaching Sunday school and sometimes preaching from the pulpit.

Rex was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley; his parents; his son, Mark A. Billings; his great-granddaughter, Opal Billings; and siblings-in-law, Joe Schumaker, Jane Billings, and Donna.

He is survived by two sons, Robin (Esther) Billings and Rex (Mary) Billings; three grandchildren, Rebecca (Neil) Davey, Tiffany (fiancé, Jose Rosales) Billings, and Ethan (Carly) Billings; three great-grandsons, Diethelm Billings, Lockeland Billings, and Henry Weir; two brothers, Donald & Joan Billings, and Frank Billings; a sister, Anna Schumaker; and many nieces and nephews.

Rex’s family would like to thank The Brook of Big Rapids, Hospice of Michigan and Pastor Kelly Iseman of the Crystal Church of the Brethren for all of their loving care of dad.

A celebration of life will be announced during the spring of 2026.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Rex’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638.