Bernard E. Babbitt

Bernard E. Babbitt Battle Creek A long-time resident of Battle Creek, Benard E. "Bud" Babbitt died suddenly at his home on Saturday evening, August 30, 2008. Bernard was born February 15, 1929 in Dunkirk, IN to parents Murray Grover and Helen Frances (Ruede) Babbitt. Soon after, the family moved to Battle Creek, where Bernard became a member and steward of the local Teamsters Union until his retirement from A.M. Castle in 1987. He spent his retirement years working on his farm, raising chickens, horses and cows. He was well known as the man that raised reindeer, and took them on Christmas visits to local schools. He traveled the country gathering information for his family genealogy, and loved hunting, fishing and gardening. Bernard attended the Emmett Street Missionary Church and was a member of Burnham Brook. Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Mary Alberta Weiss, Alice Fern Conklin, and Esther Louise Babbitt; brothers, Joseph Hamlet Babbitt and Jackie Lee Babbitt; his son, Scott Thomas Babbitt; and his grandson, Joseph Lee Burdette. He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Corene Jean (Hull) Babbitt; sons, Robert E. (Kimberly) Babbitt, Charles Babbitt, Joseph Valente and John Valente; daughters Cindy Colby, and Debbie (Ron) Simpson; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and his extended family and many friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at the Emmet Street Missionary Church from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 4, 2008 at the church. Memorial contributions may be given to the Emmett Street Missionary Church. Arrangements are by Royal Funeral Home.