Earl Billings

Lawrence Earl Billings of Newfield passed away at Rochester General Hospital on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at the age of 83.

Earl was born in Ithaca on September 23, 1942, a son of the late Earl and Dorothy (Poyneer) Colburn. He honorably served his country in the United State Marine Corps from 1961 to 1963. Earl has various positions and jobs including Ithaca Gun, test firing all guns that were produced, truck driving, and was a machinist mechanic at Emerson Power Transmission.

He was a member of the American Legion and a proud Pilgrim of Moose Lodge #666 in Ithaca. Earl was more than a longtime member of the Ithaca Moose Lodge. He was part of its foundation. Over the years, he served in every board position at least once, with many roles held through multiple terms. His dedication, leadership, and steady guidance played a tremendous role in the success of our lodge, especially in recent years as he helped lead us back to becoming a thriving organization. In recognition of his lifelong commitment, our meeting room was recently named in his honor, a small way to thank a man who gave so much too so many.

Earl was the kind of person you could always count on. Whether you needed advice, a helping hand, or simply someone to brighten your day, he was there. His familiar smile, ponytail, and cut-off shirt made him a fixture at the lodge and someone who will never be forgotten.

He is survived by his daughter, Earlene DeMann; grandchildren, Caitlyn Bailey and Timothy DeMann; great grandson Tobias Bailey; sister, Linda Campbell; and close friends, Steve and Chrissy Wright. In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Earleen “Lee” Billings; and a son, Robert Billings.

A Celebration of his life will be held on August 29, 2026 from 11:00am to 5:00pm at the Ithaca Moose Lodge #666, 367 Elmira Road, Ithaca.