Ad Astra: Francis Billard, 22 May, 2007

FRANCIS B. BILLARD MELBOURNE Francis B. Billard, 76, passed away Tuesday, May 22, 2007 in Melbourne, Florida. Frank was born in Medford, Massachusetts to Francis John Billard and Katheryn Marguerite Bagnell on August 25, 1930. He grew up in New England, leaving to serve in the Navy in 1950. His military education led him to a career as a telecommunications engineer in the aerospace industry. He participated in the Apollo and Shuttle programs for Pan Am, RCA, and GE at Patrick AFB and Cape Canaveral. He was very active in the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, and served as president in 1980. Frank married Norma E. Johnson in Tucson, AZ in 1956. He is survived by Norma and their children and grandchildren, D. Frank and Kim (Parry) Billard, with daughters Cheryl and Katie; Brian R. Billard and Carol Chapman, Buck Billard, Bonnie E. (Billard) and Greg Punske, with children, Zoe and Joe; his brother, Arthur B. (Lorraine) Billard and their children and grandchildren; stepsister, Gloria Seaboyer; and half brother, John Lawrence. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay for their care. A memorial service will be held in his honor on Saturday, June 16th at 11:00 am at the Davis Seawinds Funeral Home, 560 Montreal Avenue in Melbourne.