Lee Babcock

Lee Babcock, passed away unexpectedly on October 17, 2025, at just 70 years old.

Lee and his twin sister, Lynn, were born on May 4, 1955, in Lapeer, Michigan to Elwyn and Marion Babcock. He and Lynn were raised in the family home alongside their siblings, Gail, Shirley Ann, Kirk, and Joan. Lee’s father, Elwyn passed away when he was just 3 years old. Jim Duvall married Marion, becoming Lee’s stepfather and they had a close bond growing up. Lee’s childhood was filled with sports, guitar lessons, tinkering, and he always had something up his sleeve to keep everyone on their toes. As a child he played Little League baseball, and then as a teenager he played with the American Legion. He played football in high school for a short time before realizing his thin stature was better suited for guitar-playing and organizing extra-curricular fraternization off the field. Ever the charmer, Lee was voted “best looking” and “prettiest eyes” for his class mock elections. In one of the many instances of him using his charm to bring people together, he organized a graduation party for his Senior class at the American Legion where even the teachers attended. Following graduation, Lee and Lynn moved to Kalamazoo to attend Western Michigan University. During Lee’s short tenure at WMU, he developed a great pride for all things Kalamazoo, but ultimately decided he wanted to dive into building a career in the automotive industry. He gained nearly 50 years of experience in the field, gaining extensive knowledge of automotive systems, diagnostics, and repairs as well as creating an outstanding network of contacts with dealerships and body shops throughout the Kalamazoo area. He retired from Bosch Automotive in September of 2025.

Of all the things Lee loved in life, family was at the top. He had his two children, Clarke and Taylor, with his former wife, Gina Babcock. Lee’s kids were his pride and joy, until his grandkids, Daley and Nolan, came into the picture and took over that title. Lee’s son, Clarke inherited the gift of music from Lee. Both having the uncanny ability to pick up any instrument and be able to play a tune. Growing up, Lee encouraged Clarke to tinker and explore. Whether it was holding a flashlight for Lee while he changed the oil on his car, or sending him to find a screw in the old coffee can that had all the “just in case” pieces, Lee championed Clarke to think critically, shaping how he approaches life as an adult today. Lee was an adoring father to his daughter, Taylor. From getting dressed up for the annual Father/Daughter Dances and ending those nights out with a Hot Fudge Sundae from Big Boy, to always making sure she had plenty of blankets to create a cozy little nest on the couch. Taylor did not inherit the music gene from her dad, she did, however, inherit his wry sense of humor and appreciation for the simpler things in life. Most of the visits as adults were spent listening to albums, enjoying a glass of bourbon, and genuinely enjoying each other’s company. Connor (son-in-law) and Lee shared a love for all things sports and viewed each other as friends, somehow leaving Taylor feeling like the third wheel. Lee and his soon to be daughter-in-law, Alexa, immediately bonded over records and their love for 70’s music, specifically Jim Croce. Lee was a constant in the life of his loved ones.

In addition to being an incredible father, Lee was a stand up brother and uncle. He may not have always been the happiest to do so, but you knew if you needed anything he would be there. He once (somewhat begrudgingly) drove to Chicago to help his twin sister, Lynn, when her car broke down. She didn’t even have to ask for help, as he was on his way before the question arose. If Lee’s family was experiencing something new or daunting, Lee was their rock. He would take his siblings’ hands and lead the way. Without fail, Lee was someone you could count on regardless of the situation. The “cool” uncle to his nieces and nephews, He was always there with a classic dad joke or a listening ear.

In 2022 Lee became a grandfather to his granddaughter, Daley. He was elated and stepped into the role with ease and so much pride. He had gotten plenty of practice as “UncaLee” to his 3 grandnieces, Sadie, Cecilia, and Emily. In 2023 Nolan, his grandson, arrived and Lee was equally thrilled. He thrived as a grandfather and granduncle and adored his grandkids, showering them with support, encouragement, and instilling a rhythmic love for life. You could even say he was preparing the next generation of “the dancing Babcocks!”

Lee couldn’t get by with a little help from his friends though. He valued those relationships exponentially throughout his life. You’ll understand that if you were fortunate enough to be one of them. For years, he traded his Monday League nights playing Golf in the summer for Bowling in the winter, until golf ended up being his true form of comfort and relaxation. He traveled across the country with his friends visiting courses from Arizona to Colorado to South Carolina, but his love of Michigan’s raw natural beauty was always his favorite place to play. He truly enjoyed all 19 holes of the golf course.

Lee retired in September of 2025 with the plan to live out the rest of his days playing golf, showering his family and friends with his unequaled appreciation of music and life, or just sharing a drink while watching a game. With heavy hearts though, we’re letting Lee play through.

Lee Babcock, age 70, died on October 17, 2025. Lee was born on May 4, 1955, in Lapeer, MI to Elwyn and Marian Babcock. Lee was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Gail Vincent, and Shirley Ann Babcock. Surviving are his children: Clarke (Alexa) Babcock, and Taylor (Connor) Clancy; grandchildren: Daley, Nolan; siblings: Kirk (Darlene) Babcock, Lynn Babcock, Joan (Joe) Thurlow; nieces and nephews: Charlie (Eve), Cheryl (Michael), Lisa (Jonathan), Annie, Matthew (Sabrina), Whitney, Jim, Ron (Lindsey), Sadie, Cecilia, and Emily.

Please join us at a Life Story Service on Saturday, November 15, at 2 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A Celebration of Life will follow at Martell’s at 4pm. Celebrate Lee's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.