Ken Babb  1920-2011

Kenneth W. Babb, 90, of Bella Vista, Ark., and formerly of Champaign, passed away Tuesday (Oct. 18, 2011) at The Highlands Rehab Center.

Kenneth was born Dec. 31, 1920, in Champaign, the son of the late Charles and Mary Babb. He attended Country School until 5th grade, when his parents moved from the farm to Champaign. He also attended Holy Cross parochial school, Champaign High School and two years at the University of Illinois.

On May 2, 1942, he married his wife of 54 years, Henrietta J. Mies. He is survived by two daughters, Barbara Babb and her friend Jane Greer of St. Joseph and Kathy Sluder of Lee's Summit, Mo.; former son-in-law, Jeffrey Sluder of Lee's Summit, Mo., and daughter-in-law, Susan Babb of Salina, Kan. He was preceded in death by his son, Russell Babb. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Tyler, Kimmy, Austin, Olivia, Kennedy and Jackson.

He was a lieutenant in the United States Air Force during World War II and was commissioned as a bomber pilot flying B-25 and B-26's.

He was employed by Continental Food Service for 31 years, beginning as salesman working his way to vice president of operations for a full line distributor to Institutional Trade Metzler Inc. in Decatur.

After his retirement from the coffee business, he owned and operated The Sierra Coffee Shop, located on the corner of Prospect and Springfield in Champaign.

In 1993, he and his wife Henrietta moved to Bella Vista, Ark., to enjoy their retirement years playing golf. Henrietta passed away May 8, 1996. In December 1997 Kenneth married Betty Rice, who passed away in September 2003.

He was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Men's Club as well as St. Bernard's Men's Golf club.

He was an avid golfer. He liked to entertain and enjoyed being with family and friends. He will be forever in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held in Champaign at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Kenneth Babb Memorial Fund for the Education of his grandchildren c/o Arvest Bank, P.O. Box 1229, Bentonville, AR 72712.