Donald E. Babcock

The world lost a wonderful, caring, loving and generous soul on August 16, 2025. Don succumbed to complications of a head injury incurred during a fall in May. He was 77 years old. Born in small town Corry, PA, his father was tired of the snow and moved his family of six to California in 1957 in a ’49 Ford. He graduated from Gardena High School and enlisted in the Air Force in 1967. After basic training he reported to tech school for Military Police (MP) training. While at MP training, he was awarded his Marksmanship Insignia. He served with the Strategic Air Command and was part of base security at Vandenberg AFB. Don felt honored while there to be asked to be one of the riflemen as part of the 21-gun salute for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. In 1970 he was transferred to Clark Air Force Base, Philippines, reporting as an MP working with Town Patrol Angeles City. He was discharged in May 1971 as an E4 (Sergeant).

He was a true patriot and loved his country.He married Elaine Hamilton in 1970 and they had two children, Scott and Gwenn. The marriage later ended in divorce. After his time in the service he was hired by Union Oil Research and Development Center as a lab technician in Brea, CA. He wore many hats during his 36 year career in the oil and gas industry as Production Manager, Construction Superintendent and Consultant traveling to oil and gas fields in California, Texas, Wyoming, New Mexico and Colorado. He married Rosanna (Ro) on April 22, 1983 and in 1990 they moved to Durango. His greatest joy was building their dream home, a beautiful log home on 13 acres. They enjoyed being in nature – camping, fishing and hiking in various campgrounds in California and Colorado, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, traveling the US and Canada in their RV, vacationing to Cabo annually for over 35 years and cruising to Alaska, Australia and New Zealand when they rented a car and traveled both islands. The garden was his happy place, planting beautiful flowers, especially roses, and watching them bloom. After living in Durango for nearly 30 years they moved to Prescott, AZ because it offered four seasons and a milder winter. However, Colorado was their ‘home’ and they RVed on the Dolores River between Dolores and Rico for the entire summer during the past 7 years. He had his own little garden and he couldn’t wait to plant a variety of flowers and nurture them. He was always sitting outside enjoying the calming presence and enormous beauty of it all, chatting with anyone who stopped by. It was there where his final days began and the blessing is that he spent them in a place that he loved. Don was always willing to help those less fortunate and prior to his passing, he and Ro decided to donate their RV to the Veterans Association. He was also an organ donor and in excellent health and many will benefit from his anatomical gifts. A military service with full honors will be at the Prescott Veterans Cemetery in the spring, the time of new beginnings and renewal.

Don is survived by Ro, his beloved wife and soulmate for 42 years, sisters Jill (Cliff) Adams, Janet (Larry) Lopez, sister in law Irene Babcock, daughter in law Kim Babcock , grandsons Scott and Bryce, nephews; Eddie (Julie) Babcock, Justin (Latricia) Adams, Rob (Erin) Lopez, nieces: Chris (Bill) Sinn, Carrie Adams, Kristin Lopez, Great-Nieces; Direna Sinn, Olive Lopez, Great-Nephew; Bodie Lopez, Brother-in-law; Doug (Qi) Wolf, and many loving and caring friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Jim and Ruth Babcock, daughter Gwenn, son Scott, brother Jim.

In honor of Don Babcock please dontate to a charity of your choice supporting Veterans, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, animal charity of your choice