Mark R. Babb, age 60, of Sturgis, Michigan died peacefully on December 1, 2020 at the Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
He was born in Wilmington, Ohio on January 29, 1960 to the late Robert and Betty (Rose) Babb. His early life was spent in Wilmington where he graduated from Wilmington High School with the class of 1978. He furthered his education at Wright State University earning a degree in music education. He graduated from United Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree and also from Garrett Evangelical Seminary earning a Master of Sacred Music.
He served a number of churches as an ordained Elder of the United Methodist Church in the West Ohio Annual Conference including Ebenezer, Blanchester/Edenton, Red Lion, Roundhead Charge, Hoytville, and Gibsonburg Faith. He then transitioned to an ordained Deacon and transferred to the West Michigan Annual Conference where he served as music director at Coldwater, First UCC (Jackson), St. Paul UCC (Waterloo, IL), Westminster Presbyterian Church (Jackson), Federated Church of Grass Lake, and New Life (Lakeview). He also served as the Office Manager of First United Methodist Church (Sturgis).
On September 2, 1988 he married Susan J. Sutherland at Grace United Methodist Church in Grove City, PA.
His greatest joy was making music to praise the Lord, he especially enjoyed playing in and directing handbell choirs. He was a member of the Fellowship of United Methodists in Worship and the Arts, the American Guild of Organists, and the Handbell Association of America. He loved making music with his many friends.
He is survived by his loving wife, Susan, of 32 years. A brother, Tom (Brenda) of Wilmington, Ohio; a nephew, Marshall (Michelle) and grand – nephew, Colt, of Princeton, Kentucky. An uncle, Donald and a number of cousins also survive.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Marilyn.
In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. Due to the current conditions with the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions of gatherings a memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced. The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with arrangements.
UPDATE 5/13/21
Two Memorial Services will be held to celebrate the life of the Rev. Mark R. Babb
One Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 18, 2021 at 11:30am at the Wilmington United Methodist Church, Wilmington, Ohio. Following this service, Mark’s ashes will be interred at the Sugar Grove Cemetery also in Wilmington. A luncheon will follow at Generations Pizza.
Due to Covid restrictions the number of people allowed to attend is limited in Wilmington. The family requests that out of town residents attend the service being held in Sturgis.
The second Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 11:00am at First United Methodist Church, Sturgis, Michigan. There will be a luncheon following the service in the church fellowship hall.
Condolences can be sent to:
Rev. Susan Babb
1332 Rolling Ridge Ln.
Sturgis, MI 49091
Last Updated on May 13, 2021