Vernon Francis Billman, 81, of Tuscola, IL, passed away at 11:25 a.m., Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 15, 2017 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church, rural Pesotum, IL. Burial will follow in the Tuscola Township Cemetery, Tuscola, IL.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, July 14, 2017 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL.

Vernon was born on May 12, 1936 in Tolono, IL, the son of Clarence and Elizabeth Happ Billman. He married Sondra A. Schultz on August 24, 1957 in Tuscola, IL. She survives.

Vernon leaves 7 children: Maurine (Nick) Flenniken of Tuscola, Eric (Peggy) Billman of Tolono, Chrisi Vandeventer and friend: Jerry Barr of Tuscola, Robin (Gary) Bird of Streator, Cindi (Chip) Haake of Tuscola, Anne-Marie Billman and Cassie (Rob) Hardwick both of Tuscola, grandchildren: Nicholas (Kacie) Flenniken, Danielle (Josh) Stabler, Betsi (Tony) Cooley, Josh (Vanessa) Vandeventer, Jared (Mesha) Vandeventer, Joe Vandeventer, Amber Weatherford, Chad Billman, Brandon (Andria) Billman, Chantal (Brian) Schwebach, Katie (Auste') Shelmadine, Dustin Haake, Isabella Martucci, Grace Hardwick, Faith Hardwick and Grant Hardwick, great-grandchildren: Kora Flenniken, Devin Stabler, Ethan and Dylan Cooley, Nellie and Lucy Schwebach, Christian and Cadence Vandeventer, Bronson, Dawson and Dakotah Vandeventer and Huxley Vernon Billman, his 13th great-grandchild: Scarlet is due in November, brother: Rich (Mary Kay) Billman of Pesotum and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother: Otto, brother: Charles and his grandson: Caleb Robert Hardwick.

Vernon farmed in rural Tolono for over 50 years. He was a lifelong member of the Loyal Order of the Moose and belonged to the Eagles Club.

He had an avid love for baseball. He was a left-handed pitcher and the highlight of his baseball career was pitching a no-hitter.

He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed fishing and hunting. He belonged to Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited and the National Wildlife Turkey Federation.

Vernon was a member of the Forty Martyrs Catholic Church, Tuscola, IL.

Memorials are suggested to Carle Hospice or TCHS Football Program.

For further information or to share online condolence please visit www.hilligossshraderfh.com