Charles E. Billau

Charlie E. Billau, 77, of Topeka, passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2012. He was born September 15, 1934 in Newton, the son of Preston Charles and Edyth Yetive Wayne Billau. He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1953.

Charlie was employed by the Santa Fe Railroad for 40 years in the Freight Accounting Department from 1954 until his retirement in 1994. He was in the US Navy Reserves from November 24, 1952 through December 30, 1965 and the US Air Force and Kansas Air Guard from February 1978 through September of 1994, retiring as a Master Sgt.

Charlie was a member of Highland Heights Christian Church, American Legion Capitol Post No. 1, the Air Force Sergeants Association, TCU Lodge No. 427, AMVETS, and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was also active with Boy Scouts of America and BSA Troop 13 and served as past President of Eisenhower PTA. Recently, he was involved with a stroke support group at the Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center.

Charlie married Virginia Roach. They later divorced. He married E. Clione Woborny. They also later divorced. He married Leonila Lecera on September 15, 1990 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include one daughter, Vicki Seeger, three sons, Monti Billau, Tony Billau, Luke Thompson, five grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and his sister, Pricilla Irwin. Charlie was preceded in death by his sister, Judith Spillman on August 27, 1999.

Services will be held at 9:00 a.m. Saturday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel where Military Honors will be presented by an Air Force Honor Guard Detail from McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, KS. Cremation will follow the service and private inurnment will take place at a later date. Charlie will lie in state from 3:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Disabled American Veterans Chapter No. 3, 2021 SW Moundview Dr., Topeka, KS 66604.