Dr. Carl R. Babe, VMD, age 87, of 513 5th Street, Tyrone died Sunday, October 24 at his home.
He had been ill since April. Dr. Babe was a well-known veterinarian and community leader serving his profession for many years.
He was born December 13, 1916 in Twin Oaks, the son of James and Mimi Grider Babe. On August 26, 1944 in Tyrone, he was married to Betty Jane Fortney.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, a daughter; Debora A., wife of George Slater of California; a son, Bruce R. Babe and wife Diane of Warriors Mark; six grandchildren – Larkin, Gray, Cole and Cassidy Slater and Zoe and Max Babe.
Also surviving is a brother, Rodney of Sinking Valley and a sister, Mrs. Erma Tyson of Boothwyn. He was preceded in death by five brothers: Kenneth, Ross, Stanley, Nelson and Paul.
Dr. Babe was an active 62-year-member of the First Presbyterian Church of Tyrone, serving as a Sunday school teacher, superintendent and Elder.
Dr. Babe was a member of the Tyrone Rotary Club for 60 years and had served as president and in 1999 was made a Paul Harris Fellow for his selfless service. He was a life member of the American Veterinary Association, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Association and the local Penn-Allegheny Veterinary Association. He was a charter member of the Tyrone Area Historical Society, serving as secretary for eight years.
He was a 1936 graduate of Chester High School, and in 1941 he received his degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. He moved to Tyrone in 1942 where he established his veterinary practice. He handled both large and small animals and was well-known among his peers for his improvisational surgical skills in the field, sometimes using only a pocketknife. He retired in 1976.
Dr. Babe owned a dairy farm in Warriors Mark for 18 years. He built the Tyrone Car Wash and co-owned car washes in Williamsport and State College. He was the owner of Babe Properties, and was co-owner of Tyrone Advancement Corporation, both property management enterprises. He was also co-founder and member of the Board of Directors of Labor Specialties, Inc., an outsourcing company in Grazierville.
Dr. Babe loved to hunt and fish. He was the owner of Green Hill Hunting Camp and a member of the Gardner Club. He enjoyed gardening, the outdoors, playing bridge and being with his family.
Funeral service for Dr. Babe will be held tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the Richard H. Searer Funeral Home, Inc. with Reverend Robert Dunkelberger officiating. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery. Friends will be received at the funeral home today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 102 W. 13th Street, Tyrone, the Tyrone-Snyder Library, 1000 Pennsylvania Ave., Tyrone or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
