Thomas Montgomery Billings Jr. Thomas Montgomery Billings

Thomas Montgomery Billings Jr. Thomas Montgomery Billings Jr., better known as "Monty," passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on April 19, 2025, at age 82 in Fishers, Indiana. Monty was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Thomas Montgomery Billings Sr. and Eleanor Rogers Coldwell Billings on December 1, 1942. He graduated from North Central High School in 1961. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi at Purdue University, and graduated with a major in Forestry in 1967. A navy veteran, Monty served from 1967 to 1970. During this time he was promoted to Lieutenant in the US Navy Reserve, worked as the chief of engineering, and was awarded the Navy Achievement medal. He most notably was a fundamental part of the Cottonwood Gulch summer camp, where he first attended as a teenager and later served as Executive Director from 1971 to 1994. He left a lasting impression and impact on countless trekkers and employees, with many remembering him as being kind, thoughtful, encouraging, gentle but firm, professional, and being a true leader and community connector. He married Sarah Scott Moxley on March 31, 1981 in Naples, Florida at Moorings Presbyterian Church. Monty and Sarah moved from Indianapolis to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1985 to be closer to the base camp for the Cottonwood Gulch. There, he was also heavily involved with the Boy Scouts of America, serving as assistant scoutmaster, Great Southwest Committee Member, and a council member at-large. During his time with the Boy Scouts he received the Silver Beaver award, as well as the Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor. In 2004, Monty and Sarah then relocated to Naples, Florida, where they enjoyed many years of retirement and soaking up the sun on the sand, near their Moorings neighborhood. Monty became involved with the historic Palm Cottage museum, volunteering many days and contributing with his experience working in the non-profit field. On September 28, 2022, Monty and Sarah were affected by Hurricane Ian. Sadly, Sarah lost her life and their home was destroyed. After the tragedy, Monty relocated to Fishers, Indiana to be closer to family. Monty is survived by his three children, Kimberly Leppert (husband Scott Leppert), Thomas Billings III, and Carey Billings (partner Daniel Fisch), sister Elizabeth Tridle, and grandsons Riley and Finley Leppert. He will be remembered most for his love of outdoor expedition, his commitment to the community, his large presence and grit, and the caring stewardship he had for many. Memorial services will be held in the fall with details to come. Contributions can be made in his honor to The Cottonwood Gulch or to The Indianapolis Children's Museum.