Roger D. Babcock

Roger Dale Babcock, age 81, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2023. Roger was born October 17th, 1942, to Dale and Evelyn Babcock in Sidney, Nebraska.

Roger attended a country school in Norton County, Kansas called Deadman School. Then the family moved to the Babcock farmstead in 1950 and he continued his education at District #35 in rural Furnas County, Nebraska finishing grade school, graduating from Beaver City High School in 1960. While in school Roger participated in track, football, and FFA he was a District # 7 Chairman in 1961-1962. He was also a State Star Farmer. He went on to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

Later he moved to California to work for Admin Forestry Service where he met the love of his life. Roger and Laurina Hankins were married on Sept. 11,1963. A few years later they found themselves in Klamath Falls, Oregon where he started his first Babcock Garage in 1965. He and Laurie moved back to Norton where he worked for Freedy Equipment and helped on the farm. Then returned out to Klamath Falls and built a new garage behind their house on Summers Lane where he continued his mechanic work till in 2001 when they moved back to Nebraska and took over his share of the family farm after his mother’s death. While in Nebraska, Roger still helped local farmers on small engines. Then in 2006, Roger and Laurie moved back to Klamath Falls where he spent most of his time as the owner and operator of Babcock's Garage. He loved to mechanic any chance he got and made lifelong friends in the process.

Roger was a survivor, from being bit by a snake, being shot, to having several surgeries, he always came out on top. He definitely had more than 9 lives, with the help of lots prayers of his loving wife, and many others.

At 81 years young, Roger went home to hold hands with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on November 28th, 2023. Roger is survived by his beautiful bride of 60 years, Laurie Babcock. He is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-laws, Kenneth and Sidonia Babcock of Holdrege, Ne. Phillip, and Valerie Babcock of Norton, Ks. Nieces Diane Bliss, Peggy Babcock, Terri Rockermann, Charlotte Stephenson, Gayleen Chickering.

Nephews James, Allen, Steven Babcock, Laurie’s siblings Edith, Karen, Sharyl Myron and Jim. Numerous cousins and other relatives. Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Dale Babcock, and his older brother Charles Babcock, along with his grandparents and his mother and father-in-law.

We will miss him greatly, but we will smile every day as we think of the memories we have and how blessed we all were to call him husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend! Roger accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior before he was called home, Praise God! He is now rejoicing in Heaven. Inurnment will be Sept 6,2025 at Spring Green Valley Cemetery in rural Furnas County, Nebraska. Condolences and personal reflections may be left at gareyfuneralhome.com

Memorials can be sent to Garey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 95, Arapahoe Nebraska