Willis Vernon Babbitt died on March 9, 2011. Known as: “Bill” to friends, “Billy” to family, and “Pappy” to his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the many children who have become family over the years; he was born in Belgrade, Nebraska to Horace and Sarah (Walsh) Babbitt on April 3, 1931. When he was three years old, his mother died; her older sister, Aunt Mame, cared for him and his siblings.

Bill survived the Great Depression while living in Nebraska. He moved to California where he enlisted in the U.S. Army. During the Korean War he served as a radioman and returned home with a bayonet scar, skin disease, and a refusal to eat, “another damn grain of that stuff,” rice. A patriot, he was proud to be an American and raised his family to be loyal citizens.

After returning from Korea, Bill met Shirley Anne Foster. They married on November 5, 1955 in the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

For many years Bill worked as a glazier, setting plate glass windows in high-rise buildings throughout Los Angeles. While in California he made many life-long friends. He was a ball coach, enjoyed playing cards, and having a beer or two with friends.

Surviving Bill is his wife, Shirley; children: Shelly (Julie) Babbitt-Byrne, Willis Vernon Babbitt II, Jerie (Tom) Moore, and Jodie (Ray) Barnes; grandchildren: Rebecca (Jason) Guzman Williams, Ashley (Nick Mamaril) Weddell, Thomas Moore, Samantha Moore, Tabetha Moore, Jared Barnes, Max Willis Babbitt-Byrne, and Cael “CJ” Babbitt-Byrne; great-grandchildren: Jaelee and Jaeden Williams, and Jacob Mamaril; brother, Arlen (Donna) Babbitt; sister-in-law, Maxine Babbitt; brother-in-law, Baxter Bailey; and nieces and nephews too numerous to name. In addition to his parents and Auntie Mame, Bill was preceded in death by his siblings: Edward, Arnold, Kathryn Mahoney, Blanche Bourne, Robert, “Babe”, Thomas, Patrick, Aljoe Chaney, and Pauline Bailey.

In the end, Bill was able to spend time with Shirley and say goodbye to all his kids and grandkids. He has chosen to be cremated and have no formal services. His family will honor his wishes, but if you are so inclined, in the tradition of the Irish, raise a cup and a fond memory. He would enjoy the laughter and tears.