Leslie Donald Babb
Leslie Donald Babb, age 81, of Middlefield, passed away peacefully Monday afternoon, Feb. 5, 2024, at his home while surrounded by his family.
He was born in Middlefield on Oct. 7, 1942, to the late Leslie and Elinor (nee Gorton) Babb. Les later married his best friend and the love of his life, Jean L. Swonger, on Aug. 26, 1962.
After graduating from Cardinal High School in 1960, Les worked for Home Telephone, White Brothers Store, Ronyak Paving, ServiSoft and as a Die Maker at J.R. for over 16 years. He also worked at the Millbar Co. for 11 years before retiring due to health issues.
Les was also a volunteer fireman at the Middlefield Fire Department for over 15 years, from the 1960s to the early 1980s.
Les enjoyed bowling, especially at the bowling alley in Middlefield that his parents managed up until his father’s death in 1973. He bowled in many leagues and tournaments there as well as at Ernst Lanes in Chardon and Sky Lanes in Garrettsville.
He liked playing golf, which he started in high school and played through the 1980s.
Les built many large bird feeders to give to several family members.
Les will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 61-1/2 years, Jean; daughter Angela (Mark) Miller; grandchildren, Allison (Jon Mark) VanderWier, Jared (Holly) Miller, Rachel (Kenny) Rogers, Gregory (Mya Rodriguez) Miller, Leah (Kevin) Woodworth, Emily Talmo, Kyle (Maddi) Root and Bryan Root; great-grandchildren, Arie and Trey VanderWier, Jude, Gwen and Teddy Miller, K.J., Rhys and Remi Rogers, Noah Beth Woodworth and her new sister coming in April; his beloved dog, Baxter; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter Pamela Root; and his sisters and their spouses, Suzanne and Don Leeworthy, and Sallyann and Earl Spencer.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at Best Funeral Home, 15809 Madison Road, Middlefield, with Pastor Chad Hutson of Cornerstone Bible Church officiating.
Family and friends will be received on Friday from 4 p.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Les’ name are requested to be made to either the Hospice of the Western Reserve, www.hospicewr.org; the American Heart Association, www.heart.org; or the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Best Funeral Home, Middlefield, 440-632-0818. Online condolences may be sent at www.bestfunerals.com.
