Leon S. Bilyew, 78, of Robinson, IL, died at 2:35 p.m. Sunday, April 17, 2005 at Ridgeview Care Center, Oblong, IL. He was born July 26, 1926 in Licking Twp, IL, the son of Joseph Bilyew and Pearl Ikemire Bilyew. He was a welder and owner of Cortelyou Welding, Oblong. He served in the U. S. Army during WWII. He was a member of the Robinson V. F. W. Post #4549 and a past member of the St. Marie American Legion.

He married Barbara B. Billings on August 22, 1947 and she survives. He is also survived by 5 daughters and sons-in-law, Rena and Michael Gower, Robinson, Karen and Dale Kerner, Newton, Rebecca and Jerry Bradbury, Robinson, Sandy Bilyew and friend, Dave Simpson, Robinson and Dana Rich, Robinson; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Howard and Maryann Bilyew, Oblong, Gareld and Myra Bilyew, Oblong; 14 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren; 1 sister, Chloe Chitty, Evansville, IN; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Doris Hart and Amy Hart; and 1 brother, Clyde Bilyew.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at the Goodwine Funeral Home, Robinson with Pastor John O'Dell officiating. Burial will be in the Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 19th. from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Robinson American Legion Post #69, Flat Rock American Legion Post #132, Robinson V. F. W. Post #4549, and Palestine AmVets Post #33. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Crippled Children's Hospital with envelopes available at the funeral Home.