Donald Gordon Babcock

Donald Gordon Babcock, age 86, of Hastings, Michigan, passed away peacefully on the evening of August 2, 2015 at Thornapple Manor Nursing Home.  Donald was born in Dallas, Texas on June 9, 1929, the son of Gordon and Anna (Tretchler) Babcock.  He graduated from South Lyon High School in 1948.  Don attended Central Michigan University before being drafted into the Army where he honorably served in Germany from 1951-1953 (Korean War).  Upon returning he finished his Teaching degree at Eastern Michigan University receiving a Bachelors of education in 1957.  Don taught his entire career at Caledonia Public Schools from 1958-1985.  He taught English and coached the debate team.  He was popular among the students and served as a class advisor traveling on many senior trips to Washington D.C.

On July 12, 1969 Donald married Druscilla Sue (Harrington) James at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hastings, Michigan.  The couple celebrated their 46 year anniversary this past July.

Don was an avid trout fisherman, and was feared by Brook Trout in all of Northern Michigan Rivers.  He was a retired member of the Michigan Education Association.  Don was also a member of the Free and Accepted Masons Lodge #319, the YMCA, and Boy Scouts.  He was a very devoted father who loved attending all of his children's activities.  Don enjoyed many summer vacations in Canada, the U.P., and out West.  Time was also spent at Camp "Sue-Don" in Brethren, MI.  After retirement Don and Sue traveled the U.S. enjoying their winter home in Alabama and returning to their cabin in Michigan for the summers.

He was preceded in death by his Parents Gordon and Anna Babcock and young son, Donnie Babcock.

Don is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Sue Babcock of Hastings, daughter, Mary (JR) Klinge of Grand Rapids, daughter, Patricia (David) McCarson of Winterhaven, FL., son, Gordon Babcock of Ocala, FL., daughter, Tamara (John) Benjamin of Middleville, son, Ray James (Rose Count) of Hastings, daughter, Joni Mezeske of Kaleva, MI, son, George (Linda) James of Hastings, son, Charlie (Julie) James of Delton, son, Rick James of Hastings, son, Randy James of Grand Rapids, sisters, Dixie Law, Jackie (Bob) Chenoweth, Susan Babcock, Teresa Braun, Katie Keezer, brother, Will (Diana) Babcock, sisters-in-law, Jean Kimmel, Joyce Phelan, and Pat Leckrone, former spouse, Betty Smith, twenty-four grandchildren, and twenty-nine great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday August 8, 2015 at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hastings at 1:00pm.  Officiating the service will be Father William Whiting.  A memorial visitation will be held Friday August 7, 2015 at Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings from 6:00-8:00pm.  Military honors will be rendered by the American Legion, Post #45.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Masonic Lodge #319 of South Lyon, MI, Thornapple Manor Nursing Home, or the Caledonia High School Scholarship Fund.