Vernon “Ray” Babb, age 76, of Bryan, Ohio and also a twenty year resident of Saugatuck, Michigan, died on Tuesday, February 2, 2016, in his home after a brief illness. Mr. Babb was a 1959 graduate of Bryan High School and had operated several businesses throughout his work career including Edon Auto Salvage, Northway Auto Sales, and Babb Trucking which he operated with his brothers and most recently All Good Trucking with his sons. He was a former member of the Bryan Jaycees, raced mini stock cars in the 1970’s at area tracks, and enjoyed watching NASCAR racing and shooting pool. Ray was a hard working and fun loving man, who enjoyed collecting vintage cars and boating on his house boat “Big Daddy” with family and friends.
Vernon Ray Babb was born on November 2, 1939, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Vernon Wilburn and Ruth (Holt) Babb. He married his wife of fifty-five years, Karen K. Kerr, on December 2, 1960, in Bryan and she survives.
Survivors also include one daughter, Wendy Kay Jennings, of Bryan; two sons, Daniel (Laurie) Babb, of Grand Rapids, Ohio, and Troy Babb, of Bryan; three granddaughters, Jessica (Jake) Buhrman, Joanna (and fiancee, Preston Carpenter) Stiverson and Julia Stiverson; five grandsons, Cody Jennings, Jaret Jennings, Trace Jennings, Joshua Babb and Zachary Babb; two great grandchildren, Emma Carpenter and Jakoby Buhrman; and two sisters, Nellie Lavens, of Angola, Indiana, and Alleatrice Speelman, of New Port Richey, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Dean Bronson Babb; one granddaughter, Amber; and two brothers, Allen and Wayne Babb.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 5, 2016, from 11:00 A.M.- 2:00 P.M. and 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. in the Krill Funeral Home, 860 West Mulberry Street, Bryan. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2016, at 4:00 P.M. in the Krill Funeral Home. Interment will be private.
Memorials are requested to Cancer Assistance of Williams County or to Community Health Professionals Hospice Care.