ELKHART — Brad Billings, funeral director of Billings Funeral Home, was named the 2012 Funeral Director of the Year by the Northern Indiana Funeral Directors Association.

Billings founded his funeral home in 1996. His staff includes two other directors, a cremation service manager and several other associates.

He received the award in a ceremony hosted during the NIFDA continuing education meeting on Thursday, Nov. 29, at the Mishawaka Penn Public Library.

Members of NIFDA nominated licensed funeral directors who demonstrated accomplishment, community service and honor to the funeral profession. According to Jessica Lambert, president of NIFDA, Billings stood out the most.

Billings Funeral Home is located at 812 Baldwin Street in Elkhart.