Thomas Leon Billings

Thomas Leon Billings was born on November 13, 1954, in Springfield, Colorado, at a private clinic. He was born to Harrison “Bill” Billings and Rosa (Verhoeff) Billings. He passed away on June 3, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the age 71.

Tom graduated from Springfield High School in 1973. He married Cheryl Wait on December 30, 1977, and they shared 48 beautiful years of marriage.

In his early years, Tom worked a variety of jobs throughout the area, including farming, riding horses, driving trucks, and changing tires. When Tom and Cheryl were first married, they lived in Big Bow, Kansas, where he worked as a farmer. In 1978, they welcomed their first child, Christy, and three years later, they welcomed their son, Travis.

After thirteen years, they moved back to Campo to be closer to family. Tom worked for various farmers in the area until he began working for Baca County District 2, where he worked for thirteen years. He then drove a truck for DLT Harvesting, putting in many early mornings and countless miles. Later, he returned to work for the county, where he spent the last eight years of his career.

Tom loved watching his children, and eventually, his grandchildren participating in sports. He also enjoyed helping them with their 4-H animals and projects. He rarely missed an event, whether it was a game, livestock show, school activity, or special occasion. Tom was so proud of all his kids and took great joy in celebrating their accomplishments.

He loved helping his community when needed. Tom served on the Campo School Board and served as Hog Superintendent for 4-H. He took pride in this community and this was evident in the countless ways he stepped forward to help during emergencies and times of need. Tom had quite the sense of humor, and was always making people laugh. He had a strong work ethic, and that was evident throughout his life. Tom and his wife, Cheryl, have owned and operated the Campo Cafe for 22 years. Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was loved by all, and brightened every room he entered.

Tom enjoyed hunting and playing ball with his son, Travis, son-in-law Jason, and nephews Kyle and Preston Wait. He shared his love for livestock with the community, as he supplied sheep to the 4-H participants for many years. Tom was a chatter box; it did not matter where he was, he would find somebody to talk to.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Billings of Campo; his daughter, Christy (Jason) Franklin of Campo, Colorado; daughter-in-law Brianna Billings of Campo, CO; grandchildren Kylie Parker (Franklin) and boyfriend Ty Arnold, Yancie Hall (Franklin) and husband Garrett, Shalee Reagh (Billings) and husband Donovan, Jorey Billings and girlfriend Kate, Talon Billings, Dalton Franklin; great grandchildren Rowdy Parker, Tessa Parker, Carter Hall and Newt Parker; sisters Linda (Glen) Harper of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Anita Billings Blundell of Ulysses, Kansas; brothers Harrison (Deann) Billings of Springfield, Colorado, and Marvin (Kimberly) Billings of Ulysses, Kansas; sister-in-law Freda Hoeffner of Springfield, Colorado; brother-in-law Larry (Michala) Wait of Campo, Colorado.

He is preceded in death by son Travis Billings, parents HW and Rosa Billings. Mother-in-law Frances Wait, father-in-law Charley Wait. Brother-in-law Darrel Wait, Charles Wait, Clinton Hoeffner, Alvin Blundell.

Tom will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community. His kindness, humor, unwavering work ethic, and dedication to those he loved will leave a lasting legacy in the lives of all who knew him.

Visitation will be on Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Maltbie Funeral Services Chapel, 265 W. 8th Avenue, Springfield, Colorado.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Campo High School in Campo, Colorado. Interment will follow at the Campo Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Tom’s memory to the Campo Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 97, Campo, Colorado 81029.