Ernest George Babek

Ernest George Babek passed from this life on June 29, 2024 in Clinton, OK at the age of 100. He was born on June 21, 1924 in Granite, OK to Joe and Anna (Gelnar) Babek. Ernest attended and graduated from Brinkman High School in 1943. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in August 1943. Ernest was sent to gunnery school in Wichita Falls, TX and qualified as a, “sharpshooter.” At the age of 19, he was stationed in England, where he was a gunner on a B-24 Bomber. Ernest heroically flew 21 bombing missions over Germany during World War II. He told many stories of his time in the military in great detail. He recalled the long boat ride from the US to England, his experiences on base and being, “just a kid,” on his bombing missions. Sergeant Babek was sent back to the US at the end of the war in 1945 after bravely and courageously serving his country. After returning home to the US, he continued farming. Ernest met Bobbie Jo Hatter in Willow, OK while she worked at the drugstore. He visited the drugstore often and she made him a chocolate malt every Sunday. On Valentines Day, February 14, 1950, they married at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mangum, OK. To this union four children were born: Miranda (Randi), Ernest (Bubba), Joe Bob, and Nancy. Ernest and Bobbie built their loving home on Lake Creek Road, north of Granite. He was District 2 Greer County Commissioner from 1982 to 1991, coached Little League baseball going to state three times, and he continued farming until his 90s. Ernest served on the Granite School Board and was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mangum, OK. Many people called him friend, but only a few had the pleasure of calling him, “Totty.” Ernest took his grandchildren and great grandchildren camping, taught them how to fish and water ski, ran races with them from the barn to the house, and would serve them a huge bowl of vanilla ice cream whenever he was asked. There will never be another Totty. He enjoyed hosting countless gatherings and holidays at his home, welcoming family and friends to his table.Ernest is survived by his four children: Randi Palmeri of San Antonio, TX, Bubba and Jan Babek of Mangum, OK, Joe Bob and Reita Babek of Edmond, OK, and Nancy Wilson of Hobart, OK. Ernest leaves a legacy of eight grandchildren: Lori Willis of Mangum, OK, Summer Squires and husband Randy of Hobart, OK, Hali Gilbert and husband Terry of Weatherford, OK, TJ Wilson of Hobart, OK, Tony Palmeri of San Antonio, OK, Tyler Babek of Edmond, OK, Giovanni Palmeri of San Antonio, TX, and Joli Rees and husband Matt of Edmond, OK, and ten great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind sisters Agnes Sewell and Dinah Davis, and a host of other relatives and friends. Ernest is preceded in death by his wife Bobbie Babek, parents Joe and Anna Babek, four brothers Leon, Penny, Albert, and Raymond, and two sons-in-law Joe Palmeri and Tommy Wilson. Memorials in Ernest’s name can be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mangum, Oklahoma. Services for Ernest will be held Saturday, July 6, 2024, 10:00 A.M., Sacred Heart Catholic Church located at 409 N Byers Ave, Mangum, OK 73554, with Father Swami officiating. Public viewing for Ernest will be held Friday, July 5, 2024, from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with family present to receive friends between the hours of 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., People’s Funeral Home located at 1400 W Main, Lone Wolf, OK 580-846-9018.

Ernest George Babek

June 21, 1924 - June 29, 2024

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Ernest George Babek

June 21, 1924 - June 29, 2024

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

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Grief & Healing

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