Nole Kenneth Billington

Gathering of Friends and Family

12:00 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2026

Merle Hay Funeral Home Chapel

4400 Merle Hay Road

Des Moines, IA 50310

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2026

Merle Hay Funeral Home Chapel

4400 Merle Hay Road

Des Moines, IA 50310

Nole Kenneth Billington, 55, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, at Broadlawns Medical Center, surrounded by the love of his family.

Nole was born on November 30, 1970, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Kenneth "Kenny" and Geneva (Rynearson) Billington. He spent his entire life in the Des Moines metro area, though he welcomed every opportunity to travel and explore new places.

Known for his generous heart and willingness to help anyone in need, Nole spent most of his career as a flooring installer. He was a hardworking craftsman who took pride in every project he completed. Gifted with the ability to fix just about anything and build nearly everything, he was the person family and friends could always count on when something needed to be repaired or created.

Although naturally quiet, Nole somehow became the life of every gathering. He had an infectious sense of humor, a quick wit, and always had a joke or funny story to share. Whether he was teasing his children, getting into harmless shenanigans with his nephews, or making everyone laugh around the grill, he had a remarkable way of bringing people together.

Family was the center of Nole's life. He loved hosting barbecues, riding motorcycles, traveling, and spending time with those he loved most. No matter the hour, he was always there when someone needed him. His unwavering work ethic, loyal heart, and fierce devotion to his family were qualities that defined the man he was.

In 2005, Nole met the love of his life, Sue Ann. After ten wonderful years together, they were married in 2015 and made their home on the south side of Des Moines. Together they raised seven children, while also opening their hearts and home to many other young people over the years. To countless neighborhood kids, Nole and Sue Ann became "Mom and Dad," offering unconditional love, guidance, encouragement, and a place where everyone was welcome. Nole never believed that family was defined only by blood—he simply loved people as his own.

Nole was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth "Kenny" and Geneva Billington; his grandmother, Mary Cello; his sister-in-law, Christine Frye; and his beloved "adopted" son, Justin Skaggs.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Sue Ann Billington; his children, Michael Bensley, Colby Hradek, Cassie Billington, Aubrey Tindell, Emily Billington, Alexis Tindell, Jocelyn Tindell, Nyla Billington, and Vanessa Billington; his siblings, Nicole Billington, Silas Billington, and Kenice Davis; his treasured grandchildren, Melody-Jane, Zahara, Ka'marion, Maverick, Ember, Eliza, Marcus, Jamison, Millie and Annalise; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were forever enriched by knowing him.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Merle Hay Funeral Home Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50310. A Celebration of Life will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Shika’s funeral fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jennifers-sisters-final-wishes/cl/s?utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp30-treatment-4&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&lang=en_US

Nole's legacy is one of unconditional love, quiet strength, hard work, laughter, and generosity. He showed those around him that family is built through love, loyalty, and simply being there for one another. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and remembered always.