Richard F. Babcock

Richard F. Babcock, affectionately known as "Dick," was born on March 28, 1929, in Vermontville, Michigan. He passed away peacefully at his home in Olivet, Michigan, surrounded by his loving family on June 3, 2025.

Dick was a man of great dedication and tenacity, characteristics that defined both his personal and professional life. He devoted the majority of his career to Moore's Excavating, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to hard work throughout his life. Following his retirement, he continued to embody his diligent spirit by contributing to Wertz Implement and Stanton Auctions, where he made many cherished friends.

Proudly serving his country, Dick was a veteran of the United States Air Force during the Korean War. This period in his life shaped his personality—stubborn yet devoted—traits that resonated throughout his relationships with family and friends.

Dick was deeply passionate about his family, nurturing those bonds with a fierce devotion. He lovingly collected milk bottles and cast-iron cookware, reflecting his down-to-earth nature and appreciation for tradition.

Dick is survived by his family, including his son Mike (Joann) Babcock; daughters Jamie Southern and Carla (Randy) Mills; son-in-law Joe Zakora; sisters-in-law Sue (Jack) Hanson and Jeanie Zimmermann; brother-in-law, Floyd (Diane) Moore. His legacy continues with his beloved grandchildren, Wayne Babcock, Jennie (Dan) Cook, Nicole (Matt) Simms, Randi Kay (Chad Elliott) Stine, Michael Ramsey, Donald Ramsey; great-grandchildren, Jesse Babcock, Chloe (Tyler) Jackson, Dakota (Codie) Zakora, Kala Kikendall, Shala Kikendall, Briana Zakora, Tori Kikendall, Michael Kikendall, Harley Knapper, Hailey Kikendall, Ashton Kikendall, Jayden Kikendall, Trevor Babcock, and Braxton Simms. He is also survived by a number of great-great-grandchildren, Olivia Babcock, Jesse Babcock Jr., Riley Babcock, Makayla Zakora, Mattie Zakora, Avery Schlyer, Paisley Schlyer, Aiden Gorman, Lillian Gorman, Railinn Wright, Kinsley Wright, Copper Knapper, Miller Jackson, Matthew Jackson, Memphis Jackson; and numerous nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Dorothy Powers, his first wife Lillian Babcock and second wife Pam Obrinski, his grandson Matthew Babcock, and great-grandson Devin Kikendall. Also, his brother, Bob (Marvlyn) Babcock, sister, Carla (Denny) Wertz, and his brother-in-law and best friend Junior Moore, along with several other sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

A graveside service will be held at West Carmel Cemetery, located at 5016 W. Carlisle Hwy, Charlotte, Michigan, on June 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at the family home at a later date.

Those desiring may make contributions in Dick’s memory to Eaton Community Palliative Care 2675 S. Cochran Road, Charlotte, MI 48813.

MI 48813.