Gene W Babbel

Gene William Babbel (b. March 30, 1947) passed away on August 29, 2022 at the Orchard Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center in Palisade, Colorado. A long-time resident of the Grand Valley, Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Joyce Babbel and his wife Audrey Babbel (Cooper). He is survived by his four children, John Babbel (Morgan) – Aurora, Colorado, Paul Babbel (Michael Lewis) – Seattle, Washington, Seth Babbel – Grand Junction, Colorado, and Keli Frasier (Donnie) – Orchard Mesa, Colorado. Gene is also survived by his siblings Dan Babbel (Kim), Dick Babbel (Kim), and Linda Collins – Grand Junction, Colorado as well as seven grandchildren, Samantha, Nathan, Nicolas, Evan, Kylie, Theodore, and soon to be born, Parker. Lastly, Gene is survived by his former spouse, Katherine Ladson.

Gene was a military veteran earning multiple commendation medals and ribbons, working in TV/radio broadcasting and imagery interpretation for the Air Force. The Air Force took he and his family to live in Italy, Iceland, and various US states before retiring back in Grand Junction, Colorado. He was a lover of the outdoors, enjoying camping and fishing around the Grand Valley. Gene and Audrey enjoyed shooting black powder rifles, square dancing, four-wheeling, and travel.

Gene was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where as a young man he completed his mission in California. He attended college at Brigham Young University but left early to enlist in the Air Force. He was a lover of music and old movies (westerns and monster) and will be fondly remembered as someone who always seemed to have a song in his head.

Gene’s last rites are being handled by Martin Mortuary and the service will be at 1:00pm on September 21, 2022, at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to Abode Hospice and Home Health or the Parkinson’s Foundation in Gene’s honor or go fishing with a family member or friend.

A Celebration of Life service to follow Military Honors - please check back for details.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinMortuary.com for the Babbel family.