Philip Lee Babe

Philip Lee Babe passed away on Oct. 11, 2025, in Tawas City. Born in Almont on July 3, 1945, Phil was the second of two sons to Samuel John Babe and Laverne Rose Babe (Briggs).
Phil grew up in Mt. Clemens, and graduated from L'Anse Creuse High School in 1963. After working at Chrysler for two years, he followed his adventurous spirit to British Columbia, spending a fall season hunting, fishing, and working at a guide camp. In November 1965, Phil enlisted in the U.S. Army and served honorably for two years as a Specialist at Fort Benning, Ga., earning top commendations for marksmanship.
Upon returning to Michigan, Phil resumed work at Chrysler Motors as a foreman. From 1969 to 1972, he pursued his passion for the outdoors, studying at Monroe County Community College, the North American School of Conservation, and Michigan State University, where he earned an Associate's Degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management. When the Michigan Department of Natural Resources opened applications for Conservation Officers, Phil aced the state exam and secured his dream job, a role that would define his career and shape his community life for more than 25 years.
After a few years stationed in the Upper Peninsula, Phil and his young family settled in Tawas City, where he spent the rest of his life. In 1985, he met and fell in love with Yvonne, his wife and cherished partner of 40 years. Together, they built a blended family of five children and cultivated a vibrant life rooted in community across Iosco County.
Phil's dedication to conservation extended beyond his official duties. He was a founding member and longtime President of Walleyes for Iosco County, leading efforts to build a hatchery pond and restore the walleye fishery in Tawas Bay. In recognition of his work, Field & Stream honored him as "The Walleye Guy," naming him a national finalist for the Heroes of Conservation Award in 2007.
A gifted woodcarver and lifelong outdoorsman, Phil spent over six decades crafting thousands of duck decoys, fish decoys, and birds. His artistry earned accolades and admiration, with his creations gracing mantles and marshes across the country- each one a testament to his skill, spirit, and love of nature.
Phil Babe will be remembered as a man of quiet strength, deep integrity, and dedication to the country and people he loved. His legacy lives on in the waters he helped restore, the carvings he left behind, and the countless lives he touched with his generosity and grit.
Phil is survived by his beloved wife, Yvonne Babe (née Forbes); and five children, Russell (and Paula) Farris, Melissa Hoezee, Eric (and Laura) Babe, Colleen (and George) Botos, Jeffrey (and Lisa) Babe. He was a proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren and six great grandchildren; also surviving are four brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.
Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and his family will celebrate his life with a memorial service scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25, at 12 p.m. at Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City. His family will welcome friends at the funeral home for a period of visitation that morning from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at noon. Military honors will be rendered by the Tawas Area Honor Guard and a presentation of the State of Michigan flag will be rendered by officers with the Department of Natural Resources.
An online guest registry is available to leave a message of love and support for Phil's family at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.