William Howard Billings

William Howard Billings (August 21, 1921 – May 23, 1991) was a judge of the Supreme Court of Missouri. Prior to his appointment by then-Governor Kit Bond, he had been a member of the Missouri Court of Appeals in Springfield, and before that a circuit court judge; both times he was appointed by Democratic Governor Warren Hearnes.[2] Judge Billings was noted for his hard work ethic and his unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards expected of judges; however, he was found by a federal judge to have violated the court's canon of ethics by telephoning an expert without the consent of the parties' attorneys.[2] He was also a staunch opponent of allowing cameras into courtrooms,[3] and once threw out two journalists from the Missouri Supreme Court Building.[2] He died less than two months before he was supposed to retire, under Missouri's age limit for judges.

William H. Billings
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri
In office
July 1, 1987 – June 30, 1989
Preceded byAndrew Jackson Higgins
Succeeded byCharles Blakey Blackmar
Judge of the Supreme Court of Missouri
In office
October 1, 1982[1] – May 23, 1991
Appointed byChristopher S. "Kit" Bond
Succeeded byWilliam Duane Benton
Personal details
Born(1921-08-21)August 21, 1921
Kennett, Missouri
DiedMay 23, 1991(1991-05-23) (aged 69)
Jefferson City, Missouri
Spouse(s)Wilda Billings
Alma materUniversity of Missouri School of Law

References
  1. Official Manual of Missouri, 1985-1986
  2. Terry Ganey, "William H. Billings, Supreme Court judge appointed in 1982; Was to retire in August." St. Louis Post-Dispatch. May 24, 1991.
  3. Tim Poor, "Cameras seek day in court; Electronic coverage stirs interest and controversy." St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Jul. 23, 1990.
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