JOHN "BILL" BABCOCK

Services for John "Bill" Babcock, 81, who passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2019, in Des Moines, will be held 10 a.m. Monday, July 15, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.  Cremation will follow services and inurnment of cremains will be held at a later date in the Bauer Cemetery, Lacona, IA

"Bill" was born on August 31, 1937 in Lacona, Iowa to John and Ivah (Needles) Babcock. He graduated from Lacona in 1955. After taking a year off, he joined the United States Marines, completing boot camp at Camp Pendleton and then was stationed at Gulfport, Mississippi.

On September 10, 1960, he joined his high school sweetheart, Rosemary Schneider, in marriage in Bauer, Iowa. From this union, six children were born, Michael John, Patricia Anette, Susan Marie, Steven frank, Jill Ann and Cynthia Catherine.

Bill worked at the Iowa Air National Guard as an Aviation Electrician from 1961 to 1985, retiring as a SMSgt. He then went on to be a Maintenance Engineer at People's Bank in Indianola for 12 years.

In his free time, Bill enjoyed all things outdoors; hunting, fishing, gardening and "working" on the farm. Whenever the grandkids would visit, he had to pick them up to pet his prized deer mount "Buck". Bill could be found daily, "stuporvising" at Pierce Bros Welding with the guys. He and Rosie enjoyed spending their winters with family and friends in Mission, Texas for 20 years.

His 13 grandchildren will remember Grumpa Bill's Legacy of "the house is not a gymnasium".

He was loved by many, cherished by most and tolerated by a few.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary (Schneider) Babcock; children, Michael (Erica Moen) Babcock, Patty (Bob) Dentel, Sue Schipper, Steven (Julia Johnston) Babcock, Jill (Scott) Ginder, Cindy (Ryan) Whitesitt; 13 grandchildren, five great grandsons; brothers, Dick and Don Babcock.  He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ivah (Needles) Babcock, brothers, Norman and Bob Babcock.

Visitation will be held 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 14 at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.  A rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.  Memorials can be made in Bill's name to the American Legion Post # 165 or Knights of Columbus.  To view a complete obituary or sign an online condolence, visit our website at www.overtonfunerals.com.