Billings, Paul L. 85, passed away Sunday, June 28. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lynne; daughter Leslie Meyer (Jon) and 6 grandchildren: Jason and Stephanie Billings and Benjamin, Nicholas, Grace and Matthew Meyer. He is preceded in death by a son, Bradley, and parents Ellen and Leland Billings. Paul was born in Minneapolis on March 3, 1935. He grew up in Spencer, IA and in his sophomore year of high school he became a boarding student at St. Thomas Military Academy (STA) in St. Paul, MN. One of his school highlights was performing with the STA Crack Drill Squad on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1953. After one year at Iowa State University in Ames, he served three years in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Hawaii. He graduated from both the University of Minnesota School of Business and Law School. Paul practiced law for two years and then joined the accounting firm of Haskins and Sells specializing in tax work. He joined 3M in 1971 and remained there for the rest of his business career, last serving as director of Senior Management Services. In retirement, Paul and Lynne continued their love of travel and spent many wonderful and adventurous years traveling with friends to every continent except Antarctica. He enjoyed participating in sports, attending his grand children's events, and spending time at their Crosslake home. In addition Paul was active in many luncheon groups and volunteered with Lynne for numerous community organizations. Paul was a loving and much loved husband, father and grandfather. Lynne, Brad and Leslie and all the grandchildren were the lights of his life and his presence in their lives was unwavering. Paul's priorities were faith, family and friends. He loved getting together and always had a story to tell. He was a member of Metro Gyro, Interlachen Country Club and St. Patrick's Catholic Church. He was passionate about the importance of education and established the Billings Family Faculty Enhancement Fund at St. Thomas Academy. Memorials preferred to the STA fund, 949 Mendota Heights Rd, Mendota, MN 55120; St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 6820 St. Patrick's Lane, Edina, MN 55439, or donor's choice. A private family service will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 8. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996