Brian F. Billings – Oil and Gas Executive

Brian F. Billings, 79, passed away on January 24, 2018.   Brian was born January 22, 1939 in Kansas City, Missouri and grew up in its adjacent Kansas suburbs. He received his BSBA degree from Rockhurst University in Kansas City.

He is survived by his dearly loved wife of 60 years, Delores Ann Billings and their three children – Laura Ann Shearer, Frank Billings and Leslie Ann Flores, their spouses Sandy, Jennifer and John and "Grandsir's" seven grandchildren, Michael and Matthew Shearer, Taylor, Cole and Kelsey Billings and Eric and Kelly Flores.  Brian was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Lynn Marie and his parents Heywood and Viola (DeFries) Billings and his sister, Brenda Ann (Billings) Andersen.

Brian's career in the oil and gas industry began with Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company in Kansas City and continued with Northern Natural Gas Company in Omaha and Chicago.  He joined The Williams Companies in Tulsa as the Vice President of Finance of its newly formed Williams Exploration Company subsidiary in October, 1974. He became its Executive Vice President in April, 1975 and was promoted to President of Williams Energy Company in January, 1978. Following its acquisition by The Penn Central Corporation in early 1979, Brian served as President of Penn Central's Energy Group and concurrently Chairman of the Board of Penn Central's six energy companies which were engaged in oil and gas exploration, natural gas gathering and processing, crude oil refining, natural gas and refined products pipelines, natural gas liquids and refined products storage and marketing.

He also served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committees of various energy industry organizations including the Association of Oil Pipelines, the National LP Gas Association and the Gas Processors Association.

A golfer since his youth, Brian was a long-time member of Southern Hills Country Club.  He was Vice Chairman of the USGA's 2001 U.S. Open hosted by Southern Hills Country Club. As a member of Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Beach, Florida, Brian served on its Board of Directors and as its President.  More importantly, golf provided him the opportunity for hours of quality time with his family passing on the love for the game to his wife, children, and grandchildren and of course building his close friendships stemming from his golfing partners over the years.

The Holy Rosary will be held Sunday January 28th at 5:00 PM at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel.  The Funeral Mass will be held at Church of St Mary Catholic Church at 10:00 AM on Monday January 29th.

Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500.  w