Irven Leroy "Sonny" Billiard, 88, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2016 at his home, following a long battle with cancer.

He was born June 7, 1928 in Weldona, CO to Mary Guenzi Billiard and Edward Billiard. Orphaned at an early age, he was raised by his grandmother, Jennie Sartori; and his uncles, Louie Sartori and Charlie Guenzi. Sonny graduated from Weldon Valley School in 1946. He served in the National Guard until drafted in 1952. Shortly before deployment, Sonny married Katherine Chiara on April 20, 1952 in Weldona, CO. He served in the US Army in the Korean Conflict from 1952-1954 and returned to Colorado where he worked for the Bureau of Reclamation until his employment with Morgan County Abstract and Investment Co. After purchasing the company, it was renamed Morgan County Land Titles Inc. Sonny retired in 1994 and served on Fort Morgan City Council as a Councilman and Mayor. On November 26, 1993 he married Judy Davey Lorenzini in Fort Morgan.

Sonny had a love for sports including softball, bowling, pool, boxing, track and golf and he also enjoyed playing poker. He was a lifetime member of the Elks and Lions Club. Sonny was also a member of Saint Helena's Catholic Church.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Edward; and his wife, Katherine.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; his children, Deb (Bob) Christensen of Cave Creek, AZ, Brenda (Keith) Vanderhout of Scottsdale, AZ, and Linda (Dan) Sandry of Greeley, CO, Bill Lorenzini of Fort Morgan, CO and Donett (Robert) Thomas of Centennial City, CO, 16 Grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; his sister, Virginia Emmett of Albuquerque, NM; sister-in-law, Frieda Chiara of Fort Morgan, CO and sister-in-law, Helen Billiard of Lakewood, CO.

Recitation of The Holy Rosary will be Thursday, November 10th at 6:00 PM at the Heer Mortuary Chapel in Fort Morgan.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, November 11th at 10:00 AM at Saint Helena's Catholic Church in Fort Morgan. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial Donations may be made to Saint Helena's Catholic Church, Hospice of the Plains, Cancer Society, or Charity of your choice.