David M. Babbitt

David M. Babbitt

David M. Babbitt, age 77, of Kearney, NE, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at his home, surrounded by loved ones and his beloved Great Dane, Oly. His departure was just in time for him to make his spiritual appearance at every Husker game, home AND away. An open house will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral Home from 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. A celebration of life service will be held immediately following the open house at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. There will be no burial service as David was cremated and will be spread by his daughters at a later date at Chimayo church in New Mexico. In Lieu of plants or flowers, the family suggests donations to Big Dogs Huge Paws, Larkspur, CO: http://bigdogshugepaws.com Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney is in charge of arrangements.

David Michael Babbitt was born on January 2, 1947 to Bernard and Bette (Christensen) Babbitt in Council Bluffs, IA. In 1952, the family moved to Nebraska where David grew up on a small farm outside of Amherst. He graduated from Amherst High School, excelling in sports and academics. He attended Kearney State College, receiving a degree in History.

David married Debra Meirath in 1979. They later divorced, but had two daughters together, Alexis and Caitlin.

David is survived by special friend, Lynn Sinner; daughters, Alexis Pennington of Kearney (husband Michael, grandsons Beckett and Crew) and Caitlin Smith of Wayne (husband Aaron, granddaughters Lennox and Dawsyn); sisters, Sue Jones and husband Dennis of Denver, CO., Sarah Stubbs and husband Keith of Pleasanton, Sandra Pratt and husband Denis of Johnson Lake, Shari Peterson and husband Rex of Riverdale and Stacey Mayberry and husband Mark of Seneca, KS; he is also survived by many amazing nieces, nephews, and friends.

David's true passion was travel. He had been to many, many places around the world. When traveling, he was determined to find the most adventurous activities he could. He climbed Mt. Machu Picchu, sled down volcanic ash, went on jungle canopy treks, rode in a hot air balloon over Costa Rica, and repelled sides of mountains. What a ride he had!

He also enjoyed Motown music, history, shooting pool with his buddies, reading novels, sports, and especially Nebraska football.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, and nephew Bronson Stubbs.