Thomas Henry Babcox

Thomas Henry Babcox (Tom), of Rockford, Illinois, and Sunfish Lake, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in Rockford on December 24, 2025. Born in DeKalb, Illinois, on January 18, 1943, Tom grew up in Greensburg, Indiana, and Rockford, Illinois. He graduated from Rockford East High School and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Northern Illinois University, where he was a proud TKE. He loved having been on the graduate student team that developed the parachute game-a universally adaptable activity that generations have enjoyed in gym class.

An accomplished track athlete at Lincoln Middle School, Rockford East High School, and Northern Illinois University, Tom set collegiate records in the long jump and triple jump that stood for 12 and 7 years, respectively. He went on to coach many district and state champions in boys' track at West and East High Schools (Once an ERAB, Always an ERAB!) and girls' cross country at Rockford Lutheran High School.

Tom was a beloved teacher in Rockford for more than 34 years, working in special education and physical education at Lathrop Elementary, Walker Elementary, Rockford Alternative Elementary and Middle Schools, West High School, and Skyview Center. He lit up in his last days when a hospital tech, a former student's sister, recognized him and they laughed and shared stories. Such was the experience of being a member of Tom's family-someone was always recognizing your last name and wanting to share a story about how Tom had played a role in their lives.

Tom was an innovator in physical and special education, driven by a deep belief in the dignity and potential of every student. He brought that spirit into his family life, from setting up obstacle courses in the backyard for his children in the 1980s to creating a long jump runway in the front yard for his grandchildren in the 2020s.

Tom served in the United States Marine Corps, including a tour in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968, stationed in Phu Bai with the 3rd Marine Division. Though deeply proud of his service, he was later diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma associated with Agent Orange exposure. The disease reduced his physical capacity but never diminished his tremendous compassion, interest in others, or sense of humor. An avid attendee at his grandchildren's extracurricular events, he would climb the stairs to sit in the stands even when, in his last months, it was the only thing he had energy for in a day.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Carol; daughters Robin (Oda) Babcox Poole and Sara (Joshua) Babcox First; grandchildren Cameron, Jenna, and Lauren Poole, and Samuel and Jonah First; Tim (Casey) Hinton, who started as one of Tom's track athletes and became like a son, and Tim's children Asia, Jordan, Tyson, Greyson, and Ayla Hinton; former exchange student Violet Baffour, who became part of the family; nephews Ty and Adam (Carrie) Babcox, their mother Nancy, niece-in-law Amy Babcox, and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Theodore Babcox; mother, Mildred Adolphson Babcox Crane; brother Theodore Babcox; nephew Jeffrey Babcox; and grandson Natan First.

Tom took great joy in nurturing lifelong friendships, a value he passed on to his children, and he will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, teacher, coach, and friend.

A Celebration of Tom's Life will be held in the spring - when the fish are biting. Please refer back to www.olsonfh.com later for information. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Men's Wheelchair Athletics (https://www.uww.edu/rec-sports/wheelchair-athletics/wcbb-donate-page) or the Memphis Animal Shelter (). To share a memory or condolence please visit www.olsonfh.com.