Lawrence Billmaier

BILLMAIER, LAWRENCE P. Age 93 of Albuquerque passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2014. He was born on January 5, 1921 in Ida, MI, to Edward and Clara (Althaver) Billmaier where he attended school. Larry served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II in the south Pacific where he was a radioman on transport aircraft. He was involved in low level resupply drops. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaves, 2 Gold Battle Stars, Air Medal with two oak leaves and the South Pacific Campaign Ribbon. After his service he married Lucia Palicki in South Bend, IN on February 5, 1949. Larry moved to Albuquerque in 1949 and worked as a cameraman and engineer for KOB TV. He started working for Sandia Labs in 1957 until his retirement in 1986. Larry enjoyed traveling to all 50 states within the U.S. with Lucia, camping, hiking, fishing, gardening and playing cards. He was an Amateur Radio operator. Larry enjoyed Sundays with his family. Larry was a member of Holy Ghost, St. Bernadette's, Sangre de Cristo and Risen Savior Parishes. Larry volunteered at St. Felix's Food pantry in Rio Rancho and at the VA Hospital in Albuquerque. He was also a co-founder of ARCA. Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Lucia in 1996; and his sisters, Marie Gotha, Josephine Oberski and Loretta Orberski. He is survived by his children, David (Terrie) Billmaier of Roswell, Mary Flores of Albuquerque, Michael (Robin) Billmaier of Albuquerque, Steven Billmaier of Albuquerque; granddaughter, Tomar Flores of Albuquerque; and step-grandchildren, Shawn Dennis of Phoenix, AZ, Samantha Wagoner of Roswell, Stacie Joos of Erie, CO and Matthew Dennis of Albuquerque; and step-great-grandchildren, Chris, Abby and Connor Wagoner of Roswell and Tye Joos of Erie, CO. Larry's family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care provided by Dan Smith and staff at the Village of Alameda; the therapy team with Altura Home Health; Carmine Brown of House Calls of New Mexico; Evie Nottingham and the caring staff at the Taylor Ranch Beehive and the professionals at Rust Medical Center. Larry was a wonderful father, grandfather and father-in law. He will be missed. A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2014, 10:00 a.m., at Risen Savior Catholic Community, 7701 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque. Interment will follow at 12:45 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, with Military Honors provided by the United States Air Force. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the St. Felix Pantry, 4020 Barbara Loop SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. Please visit our online guestbook for Lawrence at FRENCH - Westside 9300 Golf Course Rd NW 505-897-0300