Obituary of Billie Scott

Billie Eugene Scott was the first born son of Julia America Knouse and Orville Eugene Scott, entering this world on May 15, 1927 in Chillicothe, MO. A strong work ethic started early in Billie’s youth; as he worked with his dad painting along with family friends, the Shaddens. During a job in South Dakota, a paint sprayer was found and a new business, O.E. Scott and Sons, was created. Billie helped his father build the new air force base in Rapids City, SD. Billie joined the U.S. Army at the Air Corp base in Sacramento, CA. He was restricted to stateside service due to a severe leg and bone infection as a kid. Billie served as a medic, working in the pharmacy where he helped countless injured comrades. After 16 months of service, Billie was discharged as a sergeant and his thoughts turned toward a future bride. A cute little redhead secretly let Billie into the movies for free. Soon Billie proposed and married Vera "Alice" Helsel on March 25, 1949. She was the love of his life for 63 years. Billie and Alice shared the same birthday, and together they experienced the joy of raising four children: Judy, Billie, Shirley, and Monty. As a strong family, they always found a way to make ends meet whether living in a small trailer or a large farm house. In order for the painting business to flourish, the family split their time between Kansas and Iowa. Later O.E. Scott made the permanent move to Iowa and after a time, Billie, Alice, and the kids followed and settled in northwest Iowa. Many years were spent on the farm where the cows got milked twice a day. The Clay County Fair was always a big part of the family's lifestyle with all the growing children showing livestock. One of Billie’s favorite pastimes was raising and training “fighting chickens” for special tournaments. These events included staying up most of the night enjoying friendships and the performance of the best cocks. Raising fighting chickens continued until recent years. Both Billie and Alice spent many evening hours of free time on the C.B. radio. The couple chatted and made friends all over the world. They looked forward to camping events with local C.B. enthusiasts, who enjoyed their companionship, a good day of fishing, and Alice's great cooking. In recent years, Billie and Alice opened their home on Father’s Day for a huge "Cousins Reunion", with extended families attending from several states. For years, November was a particularly festive part of the family’s celebrations. Everyone coming together to enjoy the comforts of the motel, several of the family’s favorite comfort foods (especially Alice’s Golden Rolls), Wahoo games, and lots of laughter. Following Orville Scott’s passing, the painting business became known as Scott Brothers Painting. Billie and his brother, Don, continued the proud family tradition of hard work serving many of the same customers who had helped build the fledgling business. Despite broken bones due to painting mishaps, and in later years, a crippling back problem, nothing kept Billie from his livelihood. Over the many years, several relatives have also benefited from being a part of this family-oriented business. The business now continues with a third generation, Billie's grandson, Nick Dolphin. His lifelong love of painting gave him a sense of accomplishment with each job finished to his high standards. Billie enjoyed visiting with everyone he met through his business, the Legion, as well as his family, and friends who will remember him fondly. Survivors include his children: Judy (Ralph) Brausey of Spencer, IA, Billie (Linda) Scott of Livermore, IA, Shirley (Eric) Dolphin of Hartley, IA, and Monty Scott of Webster City, IA; 13 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; In-laws: Patty Scott, Phyllis Helsel, Marge (Allen) Long, and Marvin (Judy) Helsel; along with other relatives and many friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, Alice, his brother, Donald Scott.