Lyle J. Babbitt

SANDUSKY — Lyle J. "Red" Babbitt, age 86, of Brown Road, Jefferson, Ohio, died Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at the Ohio Veterans Home.He was born July 18, 1922, in Ashtabula, the son of Lyle W. and Hazel T. (Shipman) Babbitt and had been an Ashtabula and Jefferson resident most of his life. A Veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served during World War II as an aviation machinist.Prior to his retirement, he worked as an engineer for Conrail. He later drove transport truck for Firch's Bakery and spent many hours sharing advice and wisdom with the AC and J Railroad in Jefferson, a place he considered his life-sized playground.His survivors include three step-children, Beverly A. Childs of Fairport Harbor and Russell E. (Karen) Childs and Dee D. (Skip) Sonville, both of Mentor; 12 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren, with 2 more soon to be born; and two great-great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his wife, Norene J. (Page) Babbitt in 2002; a great-granddaughter, Tatianna Mechele Dyer; and his parents.A Service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, April 4, 2009, at Greenlawn Memory Gardens Mausoleum Chapel, 3140 E. Center St., North Kingsville, with Full Military Honors. Burial will follow.No calling hours will be observed.Memorial contributions may be made to Stein Hospice or the Ohio Veterans Home.DUCRO FUNERAL SERVICES AND CREMATORY, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, is in charge of the arrangements. Obituary at www.ducro.com