Michael Donald Billinger, 88, Hays, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at St. John's Rest Home, Hays. He was born Sept. 4, 1919, in Liebenthal to Michael and Mary (Goetz) Billinger.

He married Leenore Bieker on Oct. 7, 1941, in Hays. She preceded him in death in 1996.

He was co-owner of Billinger's Bakery, owner of Billinger's Liquor Store, and owner and publisher, along with his wife, of the Ellis County Farmer/Ellis County Star. He retired in 1984. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council No. 1325, Hays American Legion and the 40&8.

He served on the Hays City Commission from 1964 to 1966, 1977 to 1986 and was mayor of Hays in 1965, 1980, 1985 and 1986; served 40 years as a Democratic precinct committeeman and received the Democratic Party Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. He was a longtime member of Oak Street Alcoholics Anonymous.

Survivors include two sons, Mike "Mickey" Billinger and wife Susie, and Kim Billinger and special friend, Tina Burkholder, all of Hays; a daughter, Sueellen Pfeifer and husband Al, both of Hays; a brother, Robert Billinger and wife, Margaret, both of Hays; two sisters-in-law, Christine Billinger and Viola Billinger, both of Hays;

five grandchildren, Gretchen Brown and husband, Tom, Tulsa, Okla., Joelle Gunnels, Michael S. Billinger, Mandy Ricke and husband Brad, all of Hays; and Alexandra Billinger, Garden City; three step-granddaughters, Tamie Dragone, Council Grove, Dana Augustine and husband, Patrick, Russell, and Misty Shepker and husband, Matthew, Overland Park; 11 great-grandchildren and 10 step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Wendelin "Bill", Peter, Adam, Bernard, Al and Joseph "Red"; and four sisters, Margaret Beilman, Catherine Walters, Rosemary Karlin and Lee Ann Pfeifer.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays; burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays, with military honors. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today and from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Friday at Brock's North Hill Chapel, 2509 Vine. A parish wake service will be 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to TMP-Marian High School or to the Capuchin Province of Mid-America in care of the chapel.

Hays Daily News, 2/7/2008

------------------------------------

Former city mayor and local entrepreneur Michael Billinger died Tuesday. He was 88. A well-known community member, he will be missed and remembered for his many contributions, said his daughter Sue Pfeifer. "He had a strong commitment to his family, his community and to his faith, " Pfeifer said. "It meant very much to him." Billinger served as mayor on four different occasions, in addition to serving as a city commissioner for more than a decade.

He also was the co-owner of Billinger's Bakery, owner of Billinger's Liquor Store and publisher of the Ellis County Farmer, which later became the Ellis County Star. "One of the things we were talking about last night ... is just how many people knew my dad, " Pfeifer said. "He was very interested in people. Anybody who he came across, he wanted to know more about them and he wanted to know them better." His interest and concern for those around him never ceased.

During his months at St. John's rest home, he continued introducing himself to other residents and staff members, she said. "My dad's philosophy was we were put here to help people, and that's just what he believed, " Pfeifer said. "He continued that for a very, very long time, and that was one of the things that kept him going there at the end. "He felt like there's just something we're supposed to do while we're here. While we're here, there's a job that we have ... and he always believed that."

Billinger also was a proud Democrat and was active with the local Democratic party, she said. He also enjoyed contributing to numerous volunteer organizations, such as Meals on Wheels and Alcoholics Anonymous. "We're going to miss him a whole bunch, " Pfeifer said. "He just had the right outlook on so many things."

Former Hays mayor Kent Steward also was touched by Billinger's life and friendship. When Steward moved to Hays 25 years ago as managing editor of The Hays Daily News, Billinger was one of the first community members to make him feel welcome, Steward said. "We've been friends ever since then, " said Steward, who now works for Fort Hays State University. "I loved talking to him about journalism and local politics and fascinating people in this community." Even though the two were somewhat competitors - at the time Billinger was publisher of the Ellis County Star - they became fast friends, Steward said.

Steward said he admired his accomplished friend and often sought his advice during his tenure on the board of Hays City Commissioners. "He never had a hidden agenda, " he said. "He was always motivated by what would be best for the community. "I'll really miss him. He was a great soul."

Hays Daily News, 2/7/2008
Reporter Kaley Lyon