He was born August 16, 1921, at Victoria, the son of Michael and Mary Goetz Billinger. He graduated from St. Joseph's Military Academy at Hays in 1941.

He married Christina Rupp on April 5, 1943 at Hays. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1950.

He taught and coached basketball at St. Joseph's Military Academy, later Thomas More Prep-Marian High School until his retirement in 1985.

He was named to the Fort Hays State University Sports Hall of Fame in September of 1986; was inducted into the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame in March of 1997; was named to the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in August 1998; and was a charter member of the Point to Life at TMP-Marian. The fieldhouse at TMP-Marian was named the Al Billinger Fieldhouse in his honor in 1996.

He was a member of St. Joseph's Church, the American Legion; and the VFW, all in Hays.

He was preceded in death by; four brothers, Adam, Pete, Joe, and Bernard Billinger; and two sisters, Lee Ann Pfeifer and Rose Mary Karlin.

He is survived by; his wife, Christina, of the home; four sons, Alan Billinger, Hays, Steve Billinger, Casper, Wyo., Greg Billinger, Bakersfield, Calif., and Doug Billinger, Chandler, Ariz; one daugher, Roxie VonLintel, Victoria; three brothers, W. J., Mike, and Bob Billinger, all of Hays; two sisters, Margaret Beilman and Catherine Walters, both of Hays; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandparents.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 5, at 3 p.m. at the Al Billinger, Fieldhouse on the campus of TMP-Marian High School with Fr. Earl Befort officiating.
Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Hays, with graveside military honors by the Hays VFW.

Friends may call from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at St. Joseph's Church, 13th and Ash Streets in Hays and from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday at Brock's North Hill Chapel, 2509 Vine Street. There will be a parish vigil service from 7 p.m. Thursday at the church.

The family suggests memorials to TMP-Marion High School to the Cancer Council of Ellis County; to the Oncology Department at Hays Medical Center; or for Masses.