BELLEVILLE - Kenneth J. "Smokey" Babler, age 81, of Belleville, passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, January 24, 2008. He was born on January 4, 1927 in Madison, the son of Rose (Schmid) and Henry Babler. At age 16, Smokey left high school and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He completed his basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, and then was transferred to San Francisco assigned to the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Cowpens, where they left for the South Pacific on May 10, 1945. He participated in operations involving Wake Island, Konoke Airfield, Wanishi Iron Works, Mororan Harbor, Yokosuka Harbor, Kure, Honshu, Susaki, Shikoku, Maizuro Harbor, Mineyama Airfield, Koriyama and Twaki Airfield, Harano Airfield, and Tateyama Airfield. He was aboard the first carrier to enter Tokyo Bay. He then returned to San Diego, CA on October 22, 1945. On November 7, 1945 he departed for Pearl Harbor and was transferred to the USS Kitty Hawk that docked in New York City on December 20, 1945. Following Naval Service he was given his diploma from Belleville High School.
On August 10, 1950 he married the former Janet Buss at the First United Church of Christ in Belleville. He worked for Midland Cooperative, owned the Mobil Oil dealership in Belleville, and worked for Federal Industries until his retirement in 1990. He also drove school bus for the Belleville School District. Smokey proudly served on the Belleville Volunteer Fire Department for 29 years. He was a member of the Duppler-Smith American Legion Post of Belleville, the Belleville Community Club, and the Belleville High School Booster Club. He enjoyed trips to the casino with his good friend Norm, playing cards with his buddies at J&M bar, and spending time with his family. Smokey was also a big Packer and Badger fan.
Smokey is survived by his wife of 57 years Janet Babler of Belleville, seven children, Jim (Ruth) Babler of Belleville, Sue (Ron) Yaun of Menomonie, Bill (Susan) Babler of Madison, Cindy (Mike) Barker of Windsor, Tim Babler of Rockford, IL, Brad (Lexy) Babler of Waunakee, and Jody (Steve) McClain of Madison, 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren with 2 on the way, one brother Harold (Wanda) Babler of Monticello.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Robert and Laverne, an infant sister Violet, and a grandson Michael (Mikey) Babler.
As per Smokey's wishes a time of remembrance and visitation will be held on Monday, January 28, 2008 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Becker-Beal Funeral Home, 109 Greenway Cross, Belleville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Belleville Fire Department, Duppler-Smith American Legion Post, or the charity of your choice.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Belleville Area EMS and the excellent nursing staff and physicians at St. Mary's Medical Center.
On August 10, 1950 he married the former Janet Buss at the First United Church of Christ in Belleville. He worked for Midland Cooperative, owned the Mobil Oil dealership in Belleville, and worked for Federal Industries until his retirement in 1990. He also drove school bus for the Belleville School District. Smokey proudly served on the Belleville Volunteer Fire Department for 29 years. He was a member of the Duppler-Smith American Legion Post of Belleville, the Belleville Community Club, and the Belleville High School Booster Club. He enjoyed trips to the casino with his good friend Norm, playing cards with his buddies at J&M bar, and spending time with his family. Smokey was also a big Packer and Badger fan.
Smokey is survived by his wife of 57 years Janet Babler of Belleville, seven children, Jim (Ruth) Babler of Belleville, Sue (Ron) Yaun of Menomonie, Bill (Susan) Babler of Madison, Cindy (Mike) Barker of Windsor, Tim Babler of Rockford, IL, Brad (Lexy) Babler of Waunakee, and Jody (Steve) McClain of Madison, 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren with 2 on the way, one brother Harold (Wanda) Babler of Monticello.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Robert and Laverne, an infant sister Violet, and a grandson Michael (Mikey) Babler.
As per Smokey's wishes a time of remembrance and visitation will be held on Monday, January 28, 2008 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Becker-Beal Funeral Home, 109 Greenway Cross, Belleville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Belleville Fire Department, Duppler-Smith American Legion Post, or the charity of your choice.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Belleville Area EMS and the excellent nursing staff and physicians at St. Mary's Medical Center.