Ret. MSG Steve Billas

Ret. MSG Steve Billas was born to John and Catherine (Bonchalk) Billas at Primrose, PA on May 15, 1926 and departed this life in Walters, OK on January 26, 2013 at the age of 86 years, 8 months and 11 days. Steve grew up in Pottsville, PA and attended Cass Township School in Primrose where he graduated and then enlisted in the United States Army in 1944. He was proud to have represented the U.S. Army as the starting fullback on the all Europe Team. He retired in 1974 after 30 years of honorable service to his country. Some of his awards and decorations include: National Defense Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), Republic of Vietnam Campaign with 6 O/S Bars, Army Commendation with Oak Leaf, Bronze Star, Bronze Star w/Valor, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct 7th Award, Civil Action 1st Class with Oak Leaf, WWII Victory Medal, and the European-African-Middle East Campaign. He married Wilma E. Battle on September 1, 1967 at Fort Sill. In retirement they eventually moved to a home east of Walters where he enjoyed taking care of the yard work and raising a garden, as well as doing woodworking. His beloved wife preceded him in death on April 18, 2004. He was also preceded by stepsons, Terry Lynn Battle and Donald Clayton Battle; his parents, John and Catherine Billas; and brothers, Mike, Nick and Johnny Billas. Survivors include a son, Morris E. Battle of Walters, OK; a brother, Anthony Billas of Coal Township, PA; grandsons, Terry Lynn Battle, Jr. of Harrah, OK and Donald C. Battle, II of Lancaster, TX; a granddaughter and caregiver, Kimberly Battle-Hart of Medicine Park, OK; great grandchildren, Stephen and Clayton Battle of Medicine Park, OK, Terry, III and Tony Battle of Indiahoma, OK, Sarah Battle of Talahassee, FL, Anton, Sephia and Incabus Battle of Lancaster, TX, Sissy and Boulder Pilkington of Sterling, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.