Richard Herman Babcock

Richard H. Babcock passed away peacefully at the Astor House in Astoria, Oregon, on Jan. 19, 2017. Born on Sept. 30, 1927, Richard was 89 years old.

Richard was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Laurence and Minnie (Schmeling) Babcock, and was the first of four children: Richard, Donald Babcock (wife Mary), Bill Babcock (wife Marilyn) and Laurel McClenithan (husband Norman). He grew up helping his father on the family farm raising livestock and crops, and learned how to maintain the farm’s equipment. In 1944, at 17, Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, and served as a vehicle operator during the European Occupation. Following the war, Richard decided to re-enlist into the U.S. Army and make a career out of the military, and would later serve in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. Richard later retired as a sergeant first class in 1969 in Tacoma, Washington.

While stationed in Japan, Richard met his first wife and returned to the U.S. and would have two daughters, Carrie (Babcock) Cook (husband Robert) as well as Teresa (Babcock) Young (husband Roy). In December 1979, Richard married Arlene Footh Sutton and joined a blended family of five. In 1981, they welcomed a daughter, Jamie (Babcock) Umbriaco.

While residing in Knappa, Richard loved to go hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Sturgeon fishing at Bug Hole in Brownsmead, or salmon and steelhead fishing in the Columbia River, were always on his mind. Richard was also an avid bowler, and made many friends while league bowling in Astoria. He was a talented songwriter and musician who loved to play bass guitar in a country western band. Richard loved his cars, and was willing to drive anywhere at the drop of a dime.

Richard was preceded in death by Arlene, his wife of 34 years. He is survived by his brother, Bill; sister, Laurel; three daughters, Carrie and Robert Cook of Lake Havasu, Arizona, Teresa and Roy Young of Tacoma, Washington, and Jamie and Daniel Umbriaco of Rainier, Oregon, and David Sutton of Oregon City, Oregon, Dennis and Leslie Sutton of Denison, Texas, Kathy and Jeff Sorensen of Bremerton, Washington, Robert and Debbie Sutton of Astoria, Oregon, and Douglas and Cheryl Sutton of Astoria, Oregon. Richard has 29 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 27, from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Astoria Elks Lodge.