Billie "BJ" DeBekker

Billie was born in Brooklyn, NY, and was adopted by Bill, Sr and Audrey DeBekker. At age 5 his family moved from Long Island, NY to Canon City, CO, purchasing the Rustic Lamp House Campground.  It was there he first began to develop his entrepreneurial spirit with a cider stand and making items for tourists to purchase.

After graduating from Canon City High School in 1984, Billie served in the military and reserves. He then moved to Phoenix, AZ. While in Phoenix, he married Ruth Riddleberger, and they had two children, Kathleen Joyce and Michael Joseph. During this time, he began Panzer Concepts with two partners, designing, producing, and selling resin scale model kits of WWII German military tanks and equipment.

Billie returned to Canon City in the mid-1990s and became partners in Rush Signs.  He eventually began his own sign company, 3rd Dimension Signs, in 2003.  After partial retirement from the sign business due to health reasons, Billie revived Panzer Concepts, again researching, designing, and producing 3D printed scale WWI and WWII military model kits to sell.

Billie was a gifted and creative soul who overcame numerous obstacles and made several transitions during his life.  He was compassionate, despite his gruff exterior, and was always willing to help others.  He was ready with advice, offer a sympathetic ear, and even opened his home to those needing assistance.  His larger-than-life presence will be forever missed by his family and numerous friends.

Billie made his final transition on October 22.  He was predeceased by his father and mother, Bill, Sr., and Audrey DeBekker; sister and brother-in-law, LuAnn and Tim Reed; and sister-in-law, Eileen Dunn.  He is survived by his second wife, Glenda; daughter, Kati (Georgia) DeBekker; son, Michael DeBekker; brother, Alan DeBekker; and sister, Diane (Larry) Potter.

A Celebration of Life will be held at DiRito’s Italian Restaurant on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. The family requests that donations to Loaves and Fishes of Canon City be made in Billie’s name in lieu of flowers.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Billie "BJ" DeBekker, please visit our floral store.