Obituary of Gerald L. Babcock

Gerald L. Babcock, 88, of 217 Steele St. passed away at 12:55 a.m. Friday, January 30, 2015, in the emergency room of W.C.A. Hospital. An area resident for most of his life, he was born May 18, 1926 in West Clarksville, NY, a son of the late Earl and Emily Barber Babcock. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps serving from December 6, 1945 to December 17, 1946 during World War II in Germany. Before his retirement he was employed by the Jamestown Public School System working at several schools in the district, most years working at Lincoln School. He was also retired from Jamestown Malleable Iron after 26 years of service. He and his wife loved to go camping and were very active members of the Scotty Oilers and Seneca Highlanders Trailer Clubs. They were both foster parents to several children over the years. He was a former member of the Samuel Derby Post #556 American Legion, Frewsburg, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Jamestown Moose Lodge and the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Theona Seekings Babcock whom he married July 1, 1950 at the Falconer First Baptist Church. Two sons, Gary L. (Lillian) Babcock of Jamestown, Larry P. (Debbie) Babcock of Russell, PA, a daughter, Carolyn (Jim) Cooper of Long Beach, MS, two adopted sons, Arthur E. Babcock of Busti, NY, Kirk E. Babcock of Jamestown, 15 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, one great great grandson, a brother, Lyle Babcock of Frewsburg, NY and two sisters, Emogene Saulsgiver of Lakewood, NY, Wilma Clarke of Dallas, GA. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Harry, Paul and Stewart Babcock. The funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Lind Funeral Home. Pastor Grodon Robbins of the First Baptist Church of Falconer will officiate. Burial will be in the Lake View Cemetery. Friends will be received from 6-8 p.m. Monday in the funeral home.