Charles Michael Billman

Charles Michael Billman was born March 9, 1946 to Monroe Frank and Hilma (Carlson) Billman in Clifton, Texas. He died February 6, 2022 at Hillcrest Hospital in Waco after an accident and brief illness. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, February 10, 2022 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church at Norse with Pastor Bill Metting officiating. Burial will follow at Norse Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at Clifton Funeral Home. 

Charles attended Clifton schools from first to twelfth grade. As a young man, he had a paper route and he saved his money to buy a Cushman scooter. As he got older, there was something of a “Cushman  gang” of Clifton boys. Charles and his brothers enjoyed racing cars at Little River; their father painted the car purple and they called it “The Toad”. Charles also raced cars and had a partnership with his good friends Alvin Spitzer and Harlan “Punkin” Lane Charles enjoyed fast cars and motorcycles throughout his life.

He enjoyed his time playing sports, especially football. He received awards for All District football punter, all district lineman and all district in basketball.  He was a gifted all-around athlete. He graduated in the Class of 1964 and was voted Mr. CHS. He was voted most friendly in the class, and he still was one of the friendliest people you would ever meet.

Charles attended Texas A & M University on a football scholarship for the freshman team. 

He later worked for Gearench and Central Freight Lines. He retired from Central Freight after 39 years of driving. Charles attended Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Norse and served the church in several ways including greeter, usher and lawn maintenance.

Charles had a serious tractor accident in either 1967 or 1968. Many Clifton residents came to donate blood to him during his care.

Charles dated Kathleen Lane of Valley Mills for 6 ½ years; her parents didn’t approve of him at first because he was from Clifton (Valley Mills and Clifton were big rivals). He also messed up their TV reception when he drove his loud car by their house. However, they did finally approve of him and Charles and Kathleen got married in 1968. To this union was born one son, Michael Lane Billman in 1969 and two daughters, Melody in 1972 and Manda in 1977, who passed away as infants.

Charles married Jane Stokes in 1990.

Charles had a zest for life and enjoyed telling stories and spending time with his many friends and family members. He enjoyed sports including football, baseball and hockey and especially liked the Texas A & M Aggies, Clifton Cubs, Dallas Cowboys, and Dallas Stars. He enjoyed working on his 1964 Chevrolet pickup and taking it to parades and car shows. He also enjoyed music, playing the piano and guitar and singing as well. Charles also enjoyed riding horses, especially Poke, and team roping.

Charles is proceeded in death by his parents, daughters Melody and Manda Billman, and Jane Billman.

His survivors include his son Michael Billman (Crystell) of China Spring, grandchildren Lane, Brady and Brooke Billman of China Spring, two brothers Frank Billman (Rita) of Groesbeck and Harold Billman (Dolores) of Gatesville. Niece; Heather Gillespie (Brent) of Lorena, Nephew Robby Billman (Pam) of Clifton. Special friend Lonnie Smith-Hargrave of Clifton. Brother-in-law Ralph Taylor (Faylene) of Valley Mills. And many other cousins, family members, friends, classmates at Clifton High School and coworkers from Central Freight lines.

Memorials may be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Clifton or the charity of your choice.

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