Billie Leslie

Billie Leslie, 88 of Ottawa, IL passed away Saturday, August 16, 2025 at his home with his loving family by his side. Billie was born August 7, 1937 in Duquion, IL the son of the late Philip and Coriner (Kirkland) Leslie. He married Jeanette Vatland on November 3, 1957 at Freedom Lutheran Church. Together they shared 67 years of marriage. He retired from Caterpillar in Aurora, IL after 33 years of service. He was an avid outdoorsman and gardener. He enjoyed taking many trips to the family cabin in southern Illinois, spending quality time there with his family who meant the world to him. He was also very proud of his yard and garden. Winning the 2024 Great Garden of Ottawa Award was one of his proudest moments. He will be greatly missed by all of those who knew him. He is loving remembered by his wife Jeanette, his daughter Barb (Gary) Anderson, his sons Darrell Leslie, Kevin (Melissa) Leslie all of Ottawa, IL, four grandchildren Brad (Nina) Anderson, Michelle (Nick) Blacklaw, Jenny (Eric) Hackler, Jesstine (Tyler) Leslie-Frieders, six great grandchildren Jaden, Gavin and Ava Anderson, Addie and Broc Blacklaw, and Ainsley Hackler, (who all affectionately called him “BIG PAPA”) siblings Richard, Sue, Jerry, Linda, and Philip, Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Diana, and great granddaughter Ashlynn Blacklaw.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the OTTAWA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 1111 South LaSalle Street, Ottawa, IL. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Funeral Home with Pastor Jon Benson officiating. Interment will take place at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa, IL.

Pallbearers will be Brad Anderson, Nick Blacklaw, Eric Hackler, Tyler Frieders, Jaden Anderson, Gavin Anderson, Zachary Leslie and Gregg Navarro.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to either the family or ChadTough Defeat Foundation, (chadtough.org) 201 W Michigan Ave, Saline, MI in honor of Billie’s great-granddaughter Ashlynn Blacklaw.

For additional information 815/433-0300 of www.ottawafuneralhome.com