Brad Billings
Licensed Funeral Director

The Billings family has served the greater Elkhart community for over sixty years in care giving capacities, and we intend to continue for many years to come. Our vision at the funeral home is to continue building lasting relationships with families. After fourteen years, I am increasingly grateful for the new family and friends that walk through our doors. We become so involved in such a critical and sensitive time in people’s lives, that true friendships are formed between us all.

Since my father passed away, I have a greater respect of the sacrifices he made and what he built in his lifetime. This personal experience has helped me relate to people even more than before. Every single day I am enriched by these meetings. I have one-on-one and face-to-face contact with amazing people; people who are stronger than they realize. People who possess conviction and a desire to remain on course. That’s where we come in - I want Billings to be known for being fair, honest, and having a can-do attitude. There is nothing that we won’t do to go the extra mile in providing service and treating you as we would our own family.

We pride ourselves on always being one of the most reasonably priced funeral homes in the area, although many expect our charges to be much higher given our level of professionalism, the quality of our facilities, and our ethical standards. Consumers and families finally can learn first hand that there is a difference in the service we provide and they do not need to fall into the trap of traditional loyalty many funeral homes attempt to count on. Today, being good is not good enough.   

In addition, we are so proud to be chosen a Veterans Funeral Care provider; to be able to serve our veterans, our heroes, is an honor!

Tel: 574-264-2425

Email: brad@billingsfuneralhome.com

Beryl Billings
Office Manager

As a member of the Billings family, I consider it a privilege to serve our community and its families, spending my days within the serenity of this “home” away from home. 
It is important to me that we are sincere and compassionate to each person who walks through our doors. My goal is to exceed your expectations by taking care of the many details and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Whether you are coming to us at your time of need or for advance planning, we do not attempt to oversell our services. Instead, we focus on integrity and establishing trust and comfort by a clear communication flow. You can count on our  prices to be reasonable and straightforward. I take pride in anticipating your questions and offering organized information so your decisions are easier. Because isn’t that  what we all want? I thank you in advance for considering Billings as your funeral home.

Tel: 574-264-2425

Email: beryl@billingsfuneralhome.com

Jo B. Johnston
Licensed Funeral Director

It is hard for me to believe that more than twenty years have gone by since I became a licensed funeral director graduating from Franklin College and Mid-American College of Funeral Service after my early years at Culver Military Academy. I am originally from southeastern Indiana and have lived in Elkhart since 1990. It is my calling day in and day out to be attuned to the sensitive needs of a family suffering the loss of a loved one and be responsive when they turn to us.
 
One of the positive attributes of being a director at Billings is that we have the freedom to do whatever it takes to address the unique needs of each and every family, both emotionally and financially. This higher standard of care is much easier to achieve with a family-owned and operated funeral home rather than a larger corporation. Each family has specific needs and expectations, and it’s easier to fulfill their requests when you’re not restricted by corporate guidelines. Billings’ families are cared for on an individual basis, and the celebration of a life lived is paramount to the Billings’ philosophy.
 
I am blessed to have a family of three children and have found an even greater respect and admiration for our men and women in uniform having a son now in the U.S. Army. To serve our veterans with an honored last service is such a privilege.

Tel: 574-264-2425

Email: jo@billingsfuneralhome.com

Kevin Walker
Licensed Funeral Director

I was born in Hammond, Indiana, and raised on a country farm in Illinois. As a fourteen- year-old, I remember my grandmother’s death and how our closely-knit family included all the children as part of her funeral service. Something happened at that time; I knew I wanted to be a funeral director and never changed direction.

The early part of my career took me to Georgia as a licensed funeral director/embalmer for the largest family-owned funeral home in the southeastern states. After twenty years of service in the south, I found myself in Elkhart and reconnected with Brad Billings, a former classmate at Mid American College of Funeral Services. I am pleased to step into the role of Funeral Director under his tutelage. I have a lot of the same values and beliefs as Brad probably because of our training together as well as similar personalities.

I have seen first-hand changes that affect this area of expertise - and for the good: Services have evolved to be more customized and personalized. Directors are more open to change. Traditional values are resurfacing as important to people.

I am a United States Army Veteran and served during operation Desert Storm. It’s great to be in Elkhart and part of Billings’ team!

Tel: 574-264-2425

Email: kevin@billingsfuneralhome.com

Sherrie Leonard
After Care Specialist

As the Aftercare Specialist, I feel privileged to be able to reach out to families shortly after a funeral or memorial service. Billings Funeral Home is anxious to show each family that we continue to think of them and want to provide additional assistance after a service. During a personal visit, I am able to provide grief support materials to families, determine if there are needs we might fulfill, and answer any questions they might have. Comments from families help us evaluate how our services, facilities, and staff can continue to serve families better. I am proud to be affiliated with Billings Funeral Home where serving families during a time of need includes aftercare support and assistance. Our aftercare program is a very unique and special service.

Tel: 574-264-2425

Email: sherrie@billingsfuneralhome.com

Tony Cinelli
Associate

As an Elkhart fireman of twenty-five years and native to this city with a heart, I graciously joined the staff during the Indian days of 2008. Brad and I are long-time friends, and I know his funeral home is very special.

I have sadly lost both parents and a sister. God took care of me all these years, now I have the chance to be there for others. My roll includes what I love to do - talk to people. I lend that important listening ear when family members reminisce about good times, funny times, and joyful milestones as they honor the memory of their loved one. Billings Funeral Home is sensitive to the family through respect and care of the deceased (even when family isn’t around), and the employees are a close-knit group all on the same page when it comes to service. I know not all funeral homes are alike. Billings Funeral Home is a gem!

Tel: 574-264-2425

Email: tony@billingsfuneralhome.com

Eric Ericksen
Associate

I am formerly of Chicago, Illinois, now residing in Mishawaka, and joined this dedicated group of individuals serving Michiana’s families for funeral arrangements as an Associate. I developed an early interest growing up beside a funeral home and playing there as a four-year-old while being reared by my grandmother. Eventually I owned a hearse in Chicago and transported whenever needed throughout that area. I consider the entire service cycle with a family rewarding since people call in or come in and do not know what to do or where to turn. Once they talk to us they calm down, they understand we can help, they trust that everything will be taken care of. They are so appreciative of the services we have, and a friendship grows from it. I look forward to continuing on the path I’ve always planned and am grateful to do it at Billings

Tel: 574-264-2425

Email: eric@billingsfuneralhome.com

Gary Sheets
Associate

Growing up the son of Elkhart’s beloved Pastor Oscar Sheets, it was instilled early on in our home the importance of caring for people. Daily I witnessed compassion and understanding toward people in all types of situations.

I am proud of the fact that I eventually followed in the footsteps of my father as well as my two brothers and became a pastor in the Church of the Nazarene back in 1994. I followed a calling that seemed only natural to also become professionally involved within the funeral industry.

As a pastor, I have had the chance to help many local families during their time of loss, and now working with Billings Funeral Home will give me added opportunities to be of service. Brad Billings and Jo Johnston have been personal friends of mine for many years. They, along with the entire staff at Billings, hold to a very high spiritual, moral and ethical standard, one of many positive reasons I choose to fulfill my calling here.

When you come into our funeral home, you can count on me to greet you with a smile, handshake, and hot cup of coffee. I will also do my very best to offer you words of encouragement and direction no matter what your faith background.

I reside in Bristol with my wonderful wife and three children. We love to fish on Lake Michigan in our boat when we have some spare time. I have served as a police officer for the town of Bristol and am currently proud to serve as Bristol Police Chaplain.

Tel: 574-264-2425

Terry Bucholtz
Family Advisor

A warm hello to all of those reading this biography. I am certain I know many of you and am here at Billings to be of assistance and make funeral pre-planning a good experience; one that will leave you feeling at ease and exhaling in relief.

Let me start by saying Brad Billings and his staff go beyond what others are doing so families have no worries. Everyone is treated with the same sensitive care no matter what the funeral package is or its cost. I have a passion for people. I am grateful to be in this position and consult with those in need. My heart-felt desire is to offer advice and understanding, and I believe my college studies and degrees at Bethel College (Bible Ministries and Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management) will aide me in that way.

Billings working environment is very professional, family-oriented, and relaxed. It is satisfying working with the staff and seeing how they interact with families. This is a warm and welcoming place where families feel comfortable.

I am lucky to boast of a 26-year marriage to my soul mate and also say I have 3 grown children that remain a huge part of my life.

Tel: 574-264-2425

Email: terry@billingsfuneralhome.com

Brad McIntire
Altera Cremation Manager

I have followed what Brad and Beryl Billings do here at Billings Funeral Home. I like what I see in terms of their relationship with all those who come to them at a time of loss. Also for those who wish to pre-plan. This brother/sister team lead their staff by example. They serve the community and give back and continue to expand and change the business for the better. The environment is respectful, professional, and friendly focused on a mission that: every funeral service deserves to be truly personal and memorable, affordable and dignified.

My new role, after working as a Pre-Need Counselor and At-Need Counselor in other area funeral homes for 12 years, is Altera Cremation Manager. Altera  is a subsidiary of Billings for those preferring cremation - some 38% of Indiana residents. I'm a compassionate person offering services that are needed to people who gather together at this time.

I was born and raised in nearby Shipshewana and graduated from International Business School in Fort Wayne. I have spent the last 30 years happily married to Pam, and we have raised two children and enjoy our three lovely grandchildren.

Tel: 574-264-2425

Email: bradmac@billingsfuneralhome.com