Paul Leon Babcock Jr., age 73, passed away surrounded by his loving
family, Wednesday December 23, 2020, in Quinter, Kansas at the Gove
County Medical Center after losing his hard-fought battle with
Alzheimer’s.
Paul was born on August 28, 1947, to Paul Sr. and Irene (Schoenfeld)
Babcock. He was the second of three children. Paul grew up on the
family farm East of Hoxie, Kansas, and attended Sheridan Community High
School, graduating with the Class of 1965. While in high school, Paul
was a member of both the wrestling and football teams. Following
graduation, he attended Fort Hays State University, graduating with a
Bachelor of Science Degree. He continued his education at Kansas State
University to earn his teaching credentials. Paul married his High
School sweetheart and the love of his life, Vicki L. Hujing, on July
9th, 1967. Paul built their home just outside of Hoxie, Kansas and they
were blessed with two children, Greg and Amy.
Paul was a Vocational Agriculture and Metal Shop Teacher in Hoxie
for thirty-five years, and taught woodworking in Morland, Kansas for 2
years after his retirement. He was also an FFA Advisor, 4-H leader and
high school wrestling coach. He loved mentoring and teaching life
skills to his students, and was affectionately known to many as “Mr. B.”
But though he loved teaching, farming was in his blood, and he was
also proud to farm the homesteaded land of his great-grandfather. He
often worked long hours, heading to the field as soon as school was out,
but he never complained. He said he needed to teach to support his
farming habit.
Though teaching and farming didn’t leave a lot of free time, Paul
loved hunting and fishing, watching NASCAR and football, and drawing
wildlife and nature scenes. He believed in living a simple life, and
was a man of honesty and integrity. He rarely cursed unless he was
working on his farm equipment. Paul was a member of the Immanuel
Lutheran Church, Kansas Bow Hunters Association, and Pheasants Forever.
He was also a Hunter Education Instructor, and was proud to be selected
as the State Hunter Education Instructor of the Year. But most of all,
he loved spending time with Vicki, his kids and his grandkids. They
were the light of his life.
Paul is survived by his wife Vicki of the home; son, Greg and wife
Debbie of Lincoln, Kansas; daughter, Amy McMahon and husband Kieran of
North Richland Hills, Texas; and Grandchildren, Tyler Jackson, Trevor
Jackson, Lily Johnson, Kennedy McMahon, Drew McMahon, Dylan Babcock, and
Kaylee Babcock.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul L. Sr. and Irene Babcock Coulter and grandparents.
A Funeral Service is planned for Monday, December 28, 2020, at 10:30
A.M. at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home. Immediately following the
service, interment will take place in the Hoxie City Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Sunday, December 27, 2020 from Noon until 6:00
P.M. The family will receive friends and family from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00
P.M. all at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home. They would also appreciate
if those attending would wear masks and follow all appropriate COVID-19
precautions.
Memorials are suggested to the Sheridan County Benefit Walk or the
Kansas Bow Hunters Association Scholarship Fund. Memorials may be sent
in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740.
Words of comfort may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com. This
service will be livestreamed on The Cross and Flame Facebook Page.