Paul David Babits

On October 15, 2025, Paul Babits of Fort Wayne, Indiana, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was 64 years old. Paul was a beloved husband, stepfather, grandfather, brother, coach, and friend whose passion, humor, and faith inspired everyone who knew him.

Born December 24, 1960, in Redford, Michigan, Paul grew up with a competitive spirit and an endless curiosity for the world around him. A proud graduate of Redford Union High School, Class of 1979, he carried a lifelong love for his home state-and could often be heard cheering, "Go Blue!

What began as backyard pole-vault experiments soon grew into a lifelong devotion to the sport. Throughout his career, Paul achieved national and international recognition-breaking 11 Masters World Records and earning respect as both a champion and mentor in the vaulting community. His personal best was 18 feet 5 1/4 inches - a height that placed him among the world's elite vaulters.

Paul founded Vault High Athletics with his wife, Brenda, in Fort Wayne, where he devoted his later years to training and mentoring athletes of all ages. Through his encouraging words, sharp wit, and hands-on teaching style, he helped countless vaulters gain confidence, discipline, and love for the sport.

One of Paul's favorite calls during training was his simple, powerful reminder: "Swing!" - a single word that carried his spirit of persistence and motion. It became more than a cue for athletes; it became a reflection of his life philosophy - to move forward, trust the process, and keep reaching higher. To Paul, pole vaulting was more than an athletic pursuit; it was a metaphor for life: rise above, trust your foundation, and keep swinging toward what matters most. His laughter, insight, and mentorship will live on through every athlete he coached.

Paul's life was guided by faith, love, and passion. He is survived by his soulmate and wife, Brenda Babits; his stepson, Kyler Davis, and wife, Madelynn Davis; and his two grandchildren, Calvin Shepherd Davis and Hayes Alan Davis, who lovingly knew him as "Pa Pa Paul." He is also survived by his siblings: Bob Babits and his two children, Tom Babits and his wife, Karin, and their three children, Jim Babits, Katherine Gerus and her husband, Matt, and their two children, Martha Christianson and her husband, Matt, and their three children. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Joyce and Robert Babits.

He will be remembered as a man of unwavering faith, humor, and dedication - someone who lifted others not just over bars, but through challenges, setbacks, and seasons of life.

Please join us for a Celebration of Paul's Life Open House on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Divine Mercy Funeral Home-Cedar Canyons, 1986 W. Cedar Canyons Rd., Huntertown, IN 46748, from 2:00pm-5:00pm, with words of remembrance shared at 4:00pm. Note from Brenda: "If you knew Paul, then of course you know that he would want us to use this time together in a joyful manner-maybe tell a pole vault story or two and connect with his family members and the other members of the pole vault community."

Memorial contributions given to the family will be directed to support a scholarship fund or vaulting program that helps future vaulters pursue their dreams - continuing Paul's lifelong mission to lift others higher, both in sport and in spirit.

Paul Babits lived with joy, faith, and a grateful heart. He found his purpose in lifting others higher - on the track and in life. Though he has gone home, his spirit remains with those he loved and taught, reminding us that the measure of a life isn't in records set, but in lives touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Swing, Paul. Swing.