Mitchell J. Babcock, 78

Mitchell J. Babcock, 78, passed away Friday, Oct. 5, 2007, at his home in Columbia Falls.

He was born Nov. 30, 1928, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Vernon and Florence Babcock. He was raised and educated in Browning by his mother and by his second family, Robert and Roma Douglas.

Mitchell served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 and was honorably discharged as a sergeant.

He married Mary Lou DesRosier in 1951. They lived, worked and raised eight children in Browning. They moved to Columbia Falls in 1976.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Scott in 1992.

Mitchell is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Lou, in Columbia Falls; his children, Tony and Linda Babcock of East Glacier, Stephen and Carolyn Babcock of Cut Bank, Janet Babcock of Columbia Falls, John and Kathy Babcock of Kalispell, Paul and Theresa Babcock of Columbia Falls, Ronald and Lisa Babcock of Columbia Falls, and Doug and Courtney Babcock of Columbia Falls; sisters, Helen Hill, Donna and Terry Bremmer, and Delores Andersen; and brothers, Russell, Gary, and Sam Douglas; 12 grandchildren, Mitchell Jr., Kyle, Drew, Michael, Angela, Amanda, Bryson, Emily, Shawn, Jacob, Colton, and Cooper Babcock.

Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.

A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007, at the mortuary.

A Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007, at St. Richard's Catholic Church in Columbia Falls. The Rev. John Miller will officiate. Burial will be afterward at St. Richard's Catholic Cemetery in Columbia Falls.