Douglas Billen

Douglas R. Billen passed away with loved ones by his side on October 7, after as he referred to ""my lungs took a hike"". A self-made man, Doug was born in 1936 in Oklahoma, which at the time was devastated by the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. There was little money, but a lot of love, especially between his mother and his two brothers, Jimmy and Bobby Billen. At about the age of 10 Doug pestered the local barber to let him sweep the floors for a nickel or a quarter. He learned to work on cars: inside and out. He sanded cars till his fingers bled. He fixed cars, pinstriped cars, souped up cars, raced cars, restored classic cars and sold cars. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1954. Doug cut men's hair to make money to support himself in college. He graduated from Central State College in Edmond, Oklahoma and moved to study fine art at The Colorado Institute of Art in Denver. Doug was a talented illustrator in the days before photography in advertising. He illustrated ads for many familiar companies in the 50's and 60's. Douglas Billen married JoAnne Giannelli in November 1957. They had four children, including a son, David, who died in infancy. After 54 years of marriage, the love of his life JoAnne died suddenly in July of 2011. Doug worked for Martin Marrietta in the 60's and 70's illustrating Viking, Saturn, Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Skylab projects. He never stopped painting for pleasure. He worked on cars, maintained his home and played golf up until his very last days. His passion was his family. Following Martin Marrietta, Doug started Perma-Graphics with his wife, JoAnne. Perma-Graphics is still a thriving business and an enduring legacy to their hard work and determination to succeed. Billen leaves behind three children, Terry, Sandee and Daniel, 9 grandchildren and a great-grandson. Rosary, Friday, October 11th, 7pm, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3103 S. Wadsworth Blvd. Funeral Mass, Saturday, October 12th, 10am, Notre Dame Catholic Church, 2190 S. Sheridan Blvd. Interment, Mt. Olivet. Donations may be made in his name to SECOR at SECOR.info. Please share memories of Douglas and condolences with his family by signing the online guestbook below.