Mr. Billie M. Berlet, 85, of LaHarpe, Illinois passed away Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 9:45 PM at the LaHarpe Davier Health Care Center in LaHarpe.

He was born on June 10, 1926 in LaHarpe, the son Wiley Henry and Hazel Mae Laybourn Berlett. On December 11, 1950 he married Barbara J. Sutton.

Mr. Berlet grew up on a farm east of LaHarpe . He served in the US Army during the Korean War and was decorated for gallantry under fire with the Silver Star. Following his discharge from the military, he began farming near LaCrosse, Illinois. He was later employed at West Central FS for a number of years until retiring a few years ago. He entered the nursing home in June of this year due to health problems.

He is survived by 3 daughters, Janet L. (Carl Humphrey) Berlet of St. James City, FL. Kathleen Dion of Northville, MI, Patricia Berlet of LaHarpe, 2 sons David (Dana) Berlet of LaHarpe and Christopher Berlet of LaHarpe, 2 grandsons, Tony Hanks of Plymouth, MI and Jeremy Berlet of Seattle, WA, several step grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by 1 brother, 1 sister and his parents.

Graveside services with Military Rites will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at the LaHarpe Cemetery with Nate McCarter officiating. There will be no visitation. A memorial fund has been established for the Harbor Light Hospice. Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe is in charge of arrangements.