Kevin Ryan Billingham

Kevin R. Billingham, 25, of Austin, Texas, formerly of Dowagiac, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2015 in Austin, Texas from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at  1:00 PM on Sunday, November 15 , 2015 at Clark Chapel & Cremation Services, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, MI with Pastor  Michael Roth of Trinity Lutheran officiating.  Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.  Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Saturday November 14, 2015 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warriors Project in his memory. Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence of Kevin online may do so at www.clarkch.com.  Kevin was born on June 11, 1990 in Niles, MI, to Mitchell and Sally (Irwin) Billingham and was baptized at St John’s Lutheran church.  He attended St John’s Lutheran school and Dowagiac Union School where he graduated with the class of 2008.  In school he played junior high football, JV soccer and tennis, making the varsity tennis team as a sophomore.  After graduation he attended Western Michigan University for 1 1/2 years in the engineering program before making the decision to serve in the US army.  Kevin enlisted in the United States Army in March of 2009 and proudly served his country for 3 ½ years.  He attended basic training and infantry training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was stationed in Washington DC as a member of the Old Guard (Honor Guard).  The Old Guard is the oldest active military duty infantry in the army, the 3rd infantry regiment is the official ceremonial unit, escort to the president, and provides security for Washington DC.  Kevin served as part of the parade detail for visiting dignitaries and the President as well as honor guard at Arlington National Cemetery.  While in Washington Kevin enjoyed hiking and camping in the Shenandoah Mountains as well as long-boarding at Virginia and Delaware beaches.  After the army Kevin attended Southwestern Michigan College before moving to Austin to resume his degree.  He enjoyed working full time at US Farathane Corporation as a quality control inspector and as a full time student pursuing his mechanical engineering degree.   Kevin appreciated the warm Austin climate where he enjoyed many outdoor activities: tubing on the Colorado river, rock climbing, swimming, target shooting, riding motorcycles, going to the gym, and almost anything physical.  He was an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy books, and gaming with childhood, college, and army friends on Xbox.  He enjoyed family gatherings and socializing with friends.  On home trips he enjoyed spending time in Midland and New York visiting his brother and sister.   Kevin is survived by his parents Mitch and Sally of Dowagiac; a sister Jillian Billingham of Brooklyn, New York, a brother Allen (Kristen Hendrickson) Billingham of Midland, Michigan; a grandmother Ruth Irwin of Dowagiac.  Several aunts and uncles; Tom (Sharon) Irwin of Brownsburg, Indiana, Jerry Irwin and Gary Irwin of Dowagiac, Susan (Frank) Romane of Canton, Illinois, Shelly (John) Boyd, Suzette (Jeff) Davis and Larey Billingham of Dowagiac;  along with numerous cousins.  Kevin was preceded in death by his grandparents Sam and Delores Billingham, grandfather George Irwin and an uncle Donald Irwin.   Kevin will be greatly missed by family and friends.