Edward Billadeau

Edward H. Billadeau, 85, of Kankakee, died at home Monday (April 13, 2009), after a long illness.Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, west Kankakee. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, Aquinas Catholic Academy or Hospice of Kankakee Valley.Mr. Billadeau was an architectural hardware consultant for the last 60 years, working most recently with J&L Metal Doors in Tinley Park, Ill., after retiring from his own company, DH&A in 1998 and from Security Lumber & Supply in 1988. He has consulted with numerous architects, contractors and building safety specialists throughout his career and was known for his strong work ethic.He was born April 8, 1924, in Kankakee, the son of Harvey J. and Albina (Bertrand) Billadeau. He was a 1942 graduate of St. Patrick's High School and Gallagher Business School. He became a member of the Knights of Columbus in 1946 and was a member of the 3rd and 4th Degree. He had served as a board member on the St. Patrick's Parish Council and had also served on the boards of Bishop McNamara Catholic High School and St. Patrick's Grade School. He was the past president of the Bishop McNamara High School Huddle Club and Band Boosters. He was an active member and supporter in the Rainbow Boy Scout Council and served on numerous community fundraising drives in Kankakee.Surviving are his wife of 60 years, the former Margaret J. Benoit of Kankakee; six children, Thomas (Jo Lynn) of Fort Collins, Colo., Patricia Billadeau of Overland Park, Kan., David (Cindy) and John (Tammy) of Kankakee, Janet (Roger) Carr of Olathe, Kan., Greg of Missoula, Mont.; 12 grandchildren, Michael (Shannon) Billadeau, Molly Billadeau, Mathew Billadeau, Christie Billadeau, Jake Billadeau of Colo., Lyndsay (Jason) Tincher of Valparaiso, Ind., Nicholas Billadeau of Herscher, Meghan Billadeau of Chicago, Mark Billadeau, Jennifer (Scott) Mackin, Sarah (Max) Williams and Stephanie Billadeau, all of Kankakee; and two great-grandchildren, Brett Adam Long and Ryan Michael Billadeau. Also surviving are cousins, Dr. Dean (Beverly) Cooper, Edward (Cindy) Cooper and Donald (Naomi) Bertrand.

Edward Billadeau

April 8, 1924 - April 13, 2009