"Harry (tagalong) is an awesome guy. As a young trucker myself Harry always treated me as an equal and never looked down on anyone. He was always a kind ear and friendly advice. He truly was a friend !"
In loving memory of
Harry Arthur Babbitt
September 22, 1939 - November 8, 2018
Harry Babbitt, 79 of Malvern, IA, passed away at the Tabor Manor Care Center on November 8, 2018. Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at the Loess Hills Funeral Home in Malvern with a visitation with his family one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in the Emerson Cemetery.
Memorials: Directed to the family
Harry Arthur Babbitt, one of four children of Dorothy (Gwyn) and Jesse Babbitt, Jr, was born on September 22, 1939 in Lyons, Nebraska. He grew up in Lyons where he attended school. Harry enlisted in the United States Navy on February 25, 1959 and was honorably discharged on February 21, 1963, receiving a Good Conduct Medal.
Harry and Shirley Ann Hansen were married on September 18, 1965 in Yankton, South Dakota. Their marriage was blessed with three children, daughter Christy, and twin sons, Robert and Ronald. Harry's family grew to include Shirley's son Donovan Harbaugh.
Harry drove truck for Viner's out of Emerson, Iowa until his retirement. He loved driving truck, watching Nebraska football, and spending time with his family, grandkids, and friends.
Harry and Shirley were married 40 years when Shirley passed away on August 8, 2006. Harry continued living in their Malvern, Iowa home until June 2015 when he moved to the Tabor Manor Care Center.
Harry passed away at Tabor Manor on November 8, 2018, at the age of 79 years, 1 month, and 16 days. In addition to his wife Shirley, Harry was preceded in death by his parents; infant son Ronald who died at birth; daughter Christy Carroll on January 23, 2004; and son Robert Babbitt on February 16, 2007.
Harry is survived by stepson Don Harbaugh and wife Nina of Swea City, IA; grandsons, Mason Harbaugh and Jesse Auffert; granddaughters, Jennifer Harbaugh, Crystal Babbitt, Chelsey Babbitt, and Tristan Carroll; one great grandchild Bennett; siblings, Robert Babbitt and wife Jackie of Omaha, NE, Janet DuPont of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, and Harold Babbitt of Fremont, NE; and a host of friends
Tributes
"Harry and I talked quite often while he was driving. There was one time when we lived outside of Carbondale, KS, we were talking, he was passing by on hwy 75, he didn't have time to stop but he was honking as he went by. My little cousin who was 5 or 6 I'm not sure, asked what is that horn honking at? I told her that was my friend Harry honking at us. She started laughing and jumping around. Harry was laughing listening to her and kept honking till I said we couldn't hear him any more. I couldn't stop laughing listening to both of them. I will miss him, the sound of his voice, mostly his smile and laugh. I hope you can find comfort in our story. Shelly Billbe"
"My name is Carroll. I cared for Harry during the few short months I worked at Tabor Manor. Harry was one of my favorite patients. He so loved his grand daughter. I don?t remember her name but he went to her graduation in 2016. I was saddened by hearing of his passing. RIP Harry"