Wilfred Eli Billey

Wilfred Eli Billey, 90, of Farmington , passed away Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, at San Juan Care and Rehab. He was born Dec. 28, 1922, in Sanostee, the son of John Billy and Helen Billy. His clans are Tachii'nii (Red Running into the Water, and Tl'aashch'i'i (Red Cheek people). His maternal grandfathers clan are Naasht'czhi Dine'e (Zuni clan) and his paternal grandfather's clan is Hooghanlani (Many Hogans clan). Mr. Billey served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a corporal. He was a Navajo Code talker and received the silver congressional medal of honor as well as many other awards. Mr. Billey will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. Wilfred leaves behind his wife, Matilda Billey of Farmington; sons Nathaniel Willard Billey and wife, Issy of Kirtland, Wilfred C. Billey of Farmington and Warren P. Billey of Fruitland; three daughters Barbara Billey of Aztec; Linda Kerr and husband, Larry of Waterflow and Elsie Billey of Farmington; eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Thomas Billey. Special thanks to San Juan Regional Medical Center cardiac care unit, the 5th floor staff and nurses, Dr. Uche Obisike, Dr. Robert Sprung, Blue Star Mothers, San Juan Care and Rehab for their care of our Dad. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute St. in Farmington . Funeral services for Wilfred will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, at First United Methodist Church , 808 N. Monterey Ave. in Farmington , with Pastor Dave Blackwell officiating. He will then be laid to rest in Memory Gardens Cemetery , 6917 E. Main St. in Farmington , with full military honors being provided by the Marine Corps. Pallbearers are Gregory Billey, Cory Manus, Zachary Billey, Nathan Billey, Charles Billey and Travis Price. Honorary pallbearers are Nathaniel Willard Billey, Wilfred C. Billey, Warren Billey, Edward Billey, Leo Billey, Larry Kerr, Navajo Code Talkers, Marine Corps League and Blue Star Mothers. Memorial contributions may be in Mr. Billey's name to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots, Blue Star Mothers or to the Navajo Code Talkers Association Scholarship Fund. Wilfred's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington , 505-325-8688.