Mr. Donald A. Babcock, 56, of Rochester passed away at  1:06 PM  on Monday, April 2 , 2018, at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne.  This followed a brief illness.

On January 31 , 1962, Donald was born in  Jamestown, ND to Ambert and Dorene Widdifield  Babcock.  Growing up  in Ellendale, ND he shared his childhood with a brother David and sister Dori.  During his youth he enjoyed the outdoors with his father who taught him skills of being a successful duck hunter.  As a young man he enjoyed Boy Scouts and the expeditions led to a life passion, as he took a leadership role mentoring young men with the Sagamore Council Boys Scouts of America. Don graduated in 1980 from Ellendale High School.

Patriotism beckoned and Don answered the call serving our country with the United States Army.  During his stint of service he was stationed in Germany as  a combat engineer.

At Rochester's New Life Church, Don and Jennifer Cramer were married on November 29 , 2008.  They enjoyed nearly 10 years of life's adventures.  They were in the early stages of realizing their dreams of entering the missions field.  Don had recently completed certification as an FAA  aviation mechanic.

A man of great faith, Don was a devoted member of the New Life Church.  He served his church in a variety of positions from assisting  with technical aspects with sound systems to a leadership role of former deacon.  One of his best loved contributions was as a youth leader of the Royal Rangers.

Left to cherish Don's memory are his wife Jennifer; his mother Dorene Babcock of Sioux Falls, SD ; a step-daughter Hayley Studdard of West Lafayette;  a sister Dori Van Watermulen of Fort Lupton, CO;  his brother David Babcock and  Kristy Babcock of Sioux Fall, SD; three sisters-in-law: Linda Snowberger and husband Carl, Emma Salkill, Theresa Neil and husband Bob; a brother-in-law, Stanley Cramer Jr. and wife Nancy; several nieces and nephews; his canine companions Maggie, Lynnie, and Levi; and feline companion MiMi.

Preceding Don in death are father; step-daughter Mandy Studdard; and his father and mother in-law, Stanley Sr. and Helen Cramer.

A celebration of the life of Donald A. Babcock will be at 11:00 AM on Friday,   April 6 , 2018,   in the New Life Church, US 31 & 50 N., Rochester, IN 46975 with Pastor Rick Smail officiating.  Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the services in the church.  A military service with the United States Army Honors Team will be held in the Marion National Cemetery where burial will follow.