Michael "Mike" Curtis Babbs

Michael C. Babbs, 77, of Gruver, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on February 16, 1948, in Borger, Texas, the son of Eddie and Ellen (Wheat) Babbs.  Viewing will be on Thursday, March 27,2025 (1:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.)  and Friday March 28,2025 (9:00a.m. - 9:00p.m.)  at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home in Spearman.  A graveside service will be on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 11:00a.m. at the Gruver Cemetery  with Rev. Mike Wilhelm officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Spearman.

Mike graduated from Spearman High School in 1966 and married his high school sweetheart, Amy Cator Babbs, in 1967. Shortly after their marriage, Mike proudly joined the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably for two years. After his service, he embraced his true passion as a cowboy, spending countless hours on horseback and living a life dedicated to the values of hard work and integrity. His gentle demeanor and commitment to authenticity earned him a reputation as a true gentleman in every sense of the word. In 1978, Mike invested in Bort Agency, owning and operating the agency until his retirement. He took great pride in his work and built lifelong relationships with clients and friends.

Above all, Mike was a devoted family man. His love for his wife, Amy, with whom he shared 58 wonderful years, was unmatched. He cherished every moment spent with his daughters, Shell and Eva, and their families, who brought him immense pride and joy. Mike held a special bond with his brother Larry, and together, they created lasting memories in Gruver, raising their families with love and respect.

He leaves behind his wife, Amy Babbs; daughters Shell (Haynes) Schoonover and husband Brady Schoonover, Eva Spivey and husband Chris Spivey, both of Gruver. Grandchildren Reagan and Ty Hess of Amarillo, Texas; Hadlee and Thomas Kreiling of Katy, Texas; Creed and Aaliyah Spivey of Gruver, Texas; Connor and Ashley Haynes of Lubbock, Texas; and Hunter and Allie Haynes of Scottsdale, Arizona. Great grandchildren: Mae Kreiling, Henry Kreiling, Hutch Hess, and soon-to-be Mary Claire Haynes.  Sister Judy Murray of Brownwood, Texas; brother Larry and wife Nancy of Gruver, Texas; brother Chris Babbs and wife Judy of Lubbock, Texas; sister-in-law Larue and husband Theo of Dalhart, Texas; sister-in-law Dorothy Cator of Gruver, Texas; and sister-in-law Angie Pool and husband Teddy of Higgins, Texas, and their families.

 He is preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Ellen Babbs, mother and father-in law Speck and Rosalie Cator;  son-in-law, John Haynes, brother-in-laws Anthony Murray, Bill Cator, and D.A. Cator; sister-in-law Eva Pittman; nephews, Wesley Babbs, Shannon Pool, and Brady Pool, and niece Lisa Crane.