Robert W. Babcock left his earthly home and received a new address in heaven on February 28, 2014 at 8:45 a.m. It was his desire to leave his earthly ties to be with his “Heavenly Father” and once again become reunited with his beautiful wife of 62 years. He entered into heaven at the age of 83.
Bob was born on July 17, 1930 in Vermontville, Michigan to Forest and Dorothy Babcock but was raised by his mother, Dorothy and Kenneth Powers. He was the second of three children. Growing up in a small town gave him unique opportunities. At an early age he became a child entrepreneur by selling corn cob fire starters to earn money, he learned how to hop a train and ride free to different railroad stops, he talked and dined with the local “hobo’s ” down by the railroad tracks and he worked setting up tents when the traveling circus came to town for free admission. At age 17 he joined the Air Force, working as a Air Crash Rescue with the Far East Asian Material Command and was stationed in Japan during the Occupation. After he was discharged he came home to Charlotte, Michigan where he found the love of his life, Marvelyn Brough. They were married on September 16, 1950 and had three children, Robert, Sherry and Deborah.
In 1950 he began working at the Oldsmobile Plant at General Motors in Lansing, Michigan where he became a General Foreman in the Plating Department. For many years, he also worked for the Eaton County Sheriff Department in Charlotte, Michigan as a Deputy on the weekends. In 1984 he returned to school to get his diploma and received a 4.0 GPA and graduate from Eaton Rapids Continuing High School. In 1986 he retired from General Motors. In 1985 Bob along with his wife Marvelyn felt a call to the ministry and together they attended Mount Hope Training Center, Oral Roberts University, and Tommy Barnett Pastors & Leaders School and received their preaching credentials. In 1986 they moved to Upland, California where they pastored, “He Lifted Me Ministries.” Together they made a difference in the community by preaching and teaching the Word of God and helping those in need. After retiring from the ministry, they moved to Helena, Montana where he resided until his death.
Bob’s death is not an ending but a beginning and a time of celebration. God greatly blessed him all his years on this earth and he is now finally at “home” with the Lord. He, however will be greatly missed by his family, especially his children but he is now rejoicing with his wife and they are once again complete. His legacy will live on and will always remain in the hearts and lives of all those who were touched by him.
Bob is survived by his son Rev. Robert K Babcock, (Bertha Babcock) his daughters; Sherry Schroeder (Andy Schroeder), Deborah Grewett (Jeff Grewett), 7 Grandchildren, 12 Great-Grandchildren 1 Great-Great Grandchild, his brother, Richard Babcock (Pam Babcock) and many nieces and nephews.
A special thank you from Bob’s family to Dr Thomas, Dr. Ibsen, hospice, his nurses, and the staff at St. Peter’s Hospital for all the love, kindness and care they gave to our Dad during his illness. May God bless you richly!
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday March 8, 2014
Anderson Stevenson WIlke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday March 8, 2014
Anderson Stevenson WIlke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
1:00 p.m.
Monday March 10, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday March 8, 2014
Anderson Stevenson WIlke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday March 8, 2014
Anderson Stevenson WIlke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
1:00 p.m.
Monday March 10, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Share
Forrest Babcock Jr says
I never knew my half brother but I feel the loss of Bob, my life is just a bit sadder today and yet I know that he is with the Lord and in a better place. Each of us should make the world a little bit better in memory of Bob.
Junie and Larry Decker says
To Bob Jr.,Cheri, Debbie, and all Bob’s beautiful families.
I ( Junie) have known your dad and grandfather my entire life. My parents were great -great friends with grandpa and grandma Powers. Your parents would bring you children to visit our parents and all of us in Nashville many times. We were so saddened by your beautiful mother’s death, and now for your dad’s too. After your parents and you all left the Charlotte area, it was the distance between us that kept us in touch. Hoping to get an e-mail reply from one of you . Heaven is so beautiful to receive another handsome-nice angel. And so is your mom….Thinking of you all…..
JAN FLECK says
So sorry to hear of your loss today–however, there must have been great rejoicing in heaven as your parents reunited, and Marvelyn was able to share all her new experiences with Bob. Our great loss is certainly heavens gain! Few people have encouraged and lived out their christian lives like your parents did. It was an honor to have known them and shared in their adventures here on earth. I look forward to that grand day when we too will be reunited with them and all sorrows and tears will be wiped away. Such a glorious hope! Until then, we cherish the precious memories of Bob and Marvelyn and pray for you all as you suffer the loss of a parent.
Jan
Rev. Arthur and Norma Salisbury says
Dear Robert JR, Sherry and Deborah;
We are sorry to hear of the passing of your father and earlier of your mother.
We remember the dqays that your parents attended the Charlotte Church of the Nazarene when we were pastoring there. Trust that the years that have passed have been good to
each of you and your families. We will be praying for you.
Sincerely Rev. Salisbury and Norma.
Chick Rolling says
Bob Babcock Family:
My sympathies to your family. Since I happened to cross paths with Bob just recently, I became aware of the seriousness of his condition. Nonetheless he was alert, communicative and calmly adjusted to his situation, which made me feel better. For that I thank him. I can’t pay that back, but trust he will receive my best thoughts and prayers.
Chick
Jan Furman says
I can’t begin to share the void I feel in my heart. Your mom was very dear to me and I considered her one of my closest friends. Bob was a man of integrity and grace. A man who knew how to enjoy life and loved his walk with The Lord. I will always remember how he used to sing around the house. What a treat to hear his golden voice. And how He’d always get his hand caught in the cookie jar. Or in the candy box! I can hear Marvy say, ” now Bob, you know better not to eat all those sweets! What am I gonna do with you!.” Bob would smirk and simply reply, “but Ma!” Bob loved his family. His kids were his life. He always talked fondly of them and enjoyed his bragging rights as he would share updates on each one. I will miss the phone calls, our visits to see them in Montana as well as theirs to Michigan. Bob, Sherry, Deb, I am sorry I can’t join Tom and be with you at this time but know I will be with you in thoughts and prayers. With many fond memories I send my love to you all, Jan
Melinda Meaton Hollembaek says
I remember as a young girl the Babcock family on Berkeley Drive in Lansing Michigan. They had a turtle that was a pet and the mother let me hold it. I thought both parents were so kind and attractive and kept their home neat and clean. I remember Sherry and Bobby and so many other neighborhood children in Colonial Village area. Great place to grow up. Best Wishes
chase donald & Brothers says
Sorry about your loss still remember the good times at the old sugar shack at
Crozeirs woods still have the old photos with Bob &Pete Sprauge with Jack also.
Still remember l the vacation bible school every summer that Sherry pulled me out of
bed for. Now I’m a leader at our church for the youth. Who can figure.
God will do funny things to us. see you at gates