George Eugene Babcock

George Eugene “Sonny” Babcock, 71, of Duluth, Kansas, died Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at Stormont-Vail Health Care in Topeka.   He was a life-long resident of the area.

Sonny was born May 8, 1943 in Horton, Kansas, the son of Iola Mae Brun and George E. Babcock, Sr. He attended local schools and graduated from Wheaton Rural High School.  He served in the United States Navy during the Viet Nam Conflict on the USS Kitty Hawk.

Sonny spent most of his life as a truck driver.  He hauled loads interstate and local.  Sonny loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He was very attached to his miniature pinscher, Gracie.  He loved going to swap meets, antique car auctions and sales.  Sonny also enjoyed his trips to the casino.

He is survived by his children; Gerald Babcock (Susan), Duluth, Kenneth Babcock, Elkins, Arkansas, Tammy Babcock (Ray Pasimio), Brookfield, Illinois,  Jason Babcock (Cassandra), Missouri Valley, Iowa,; step-son, J.R. Harrison (Thea), Council Bluff, Iowa; his sister, Janet Magnett (Bob) Lillis; eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his children, Glenda Lou and David Ray; and brothers, Dale and Danny.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 27, 2015, at Nortonville City Cemetery in Nortonville, Kansas.  The family will receive friends on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Campanella-Kufahl Funeral Home in Wheaton. They suggest memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association, and those may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellafuneral.com.