John William Babbin, of Oceana County, passed away Saturday, April 10, 2021, at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center in Palatka, Florida.  John was born at home in Riverton Township, Michigan. He graduated from Mason County Central High School and shortly thereafter volunteered to join the Army, serving most of his time in Greenland and later in Virginia Beach.

After returning home, he ran a logging business (Babbin and Eggert Enterprises and MET Inc.) that also produced pallets, dimension lumber, hardwood flooring and the highest quality trim. He advocated forest management long before it became the norm. He retired in 1997.

In 1986, John married the love of his life, Kathleen Lee, and moved to Oceana County where he and his wife built a home on 140 acres which they preserved for wildlife for decades. They spent a great deal of time traveling in their motorhome across the length and breadth of the United States. They spent time in all 50 of the states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They were also blessed to travel to Ireland and to the Mediterranean. For the past 20 years, they wintered in Satsuma, Florida.

He was a big man who had an even bigger heart. He especially had a soft heart when it came to animals. He and his wife ran an animal rescue (Misty Bend Wildlife Sanctuary) and (Oceana County Animal Friends), serving more than 25 years rescuing orphaned wildlife and domestic animals. Literally hundreds of animals owed their lives to his soft heart.

His greatest joy came from spending time with family and animals.

Surviving are his wife, Kathleen; his son, John (Missouri); his daughter, Linda Coules/Russell (Florida); step-sons Jake/Jamie Gray (Tennessee), Craig/Susie Gray (Alabama), David/Kendra Gray (Tennessee); step-daughters, Beth/David Klein, Marci/Timothy Purcey (Ohio); 29 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. John was a member of Dunns Creek Baptist Church in Florida and long attended Shelby Road Baptist Church in Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Bernice Babbin; and his brother, Butch/Peter Babbin.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 PM, Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, followed by a  luncheon. Graveside services will be at 2:30 PM, at the Hart Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00 AM until time of services at the funeral home.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com