Dennis L. Babcock's Obituary
Dennis LeRoy Babcock passed away on October 2, 2015. He was born December 29, 1938 in Bear Lake, MI to Chester and Edna (Clements) Babcock, both of whom preceded him in death. On August 17, 1963 he married Judith Sanford in Pentwater. She preceded him in death on May 29, 1997. He was also preceded in death by one grandchild, Connor Jay Babcock on December 2, 1999. Also preceding him in death were sisters Helen Myers, Alta Harold, Erma Kessler, Hazel Harold, June Myers and brothers Edward, Justus “Chum” and Chester ”Mick” Babcock and brothers-in-law Arthur Myers, Byron Harold, George Myers, Stanley Harold, Richard Kessler, Sr. and sister-in-law Emma Persing Babcock.
He is survived by two sons: Blair (Denise) Babcock of Kentwood and Ian “Joel” Babcock of Kalamazoo. He is also survived by grandchildren: Devin (Melissa) Babcock of Grove City, Ohio, Kylie (Adam) Whitfield of Grosse Pointe Woods, Mason Babcock of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Alec Babcock of Chesterfield Township. Other survivors are: brothers Clayton (Phyllis) Babcock of Rockford and Mitchell (Judy) Babcock of Whitehall as well sisters-in-law Doris Babcock of Twin Lake and Marjorie Babcock of Montague. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including beloved caregivers Diane Babcock of Montague and Michelle (Jim) Berlin of Whitehall.
Dennis was a graduate of both Michigan State University (BA) and Central Michigan University (MA) and taught mathematics for 40 years: three years in Pentwater and 37 at Mona Shores. He was named three times in the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. He was a Life Member of the MSU Alumni Association, a member of the Log Cabin Republicans, and, at different times, a member of the Montague, Bear Lake, Pentwater, Lakeside and Lake Harbor United Methodist Churches. He served 14 years as a Muskegon County Commissioner and was Supervisor of Whitehall Township for 12 years. He was active as a Friend of the Hackley, Norton Shores and White Lake Libraries. He was a member of the Lakeshore Museum Center, Hilt’s Landing Development, Arc/Muskegon and Arc/Michigan. He also served on many other civic organizations. Dennis was proud of his advocacy for the rights of the LGBT community and people with developmental disabilities.
The FUNERAL SERVICE will be 11AM Saturday, October 10, 2015 at Montague United Methodist Church (8555 Cook Street, Montague, MI 49437) with Pastor Mary S. Brown officiating. VISITATION with the family will be 2-4 & 6-8 PM Friday at The Walburn Chapel, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. (231) 759-8565, and 1 hour prior to the service at church, from 10-11AM. Burial will take place in Pleasanton Twp. Cemetery in Bear Lake, MI. Memorial Contributions to Michigan’s Heritage Park c/o Lakeshore Museum Center, Montague UMC After School Program, and His Arms Kenya will be appreciated. Share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com
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