Lenard Chester Babel

Lenard Chester Babel, mentor to many, loved by all, 78, passed away on August 10, 2024, in Washington, UT. He was born December 23, 1945, in Buffalo, NY to Chester L Babel and Betty June Martin. He passed quietly in his home on August 10, 2024, surrounded by family.

Lenny was raised in the small town of Akron, NY. He joined the Air Force in 1964 at 18. Lenny left Akron for duty in the Philippines. He then served at Dow AFB in Bangor, Maine, in the Portuguese Islands of the Azores, Dover AFB in Delaware, Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ubon, Thailand and Southern Command at McDill AFB in Tampa, FL.

He was an accomplished heavy equipment mechanic as well as an ASE Master for gas and diesel engines and systems. He received his electrical degree in Biloxi, MS while serving in the Air Force. His area of expertise was radar and navigation systems. In later years he was a fleet manager for Southside Fire in Savannah, GA, where he was charged with upkeep and repair of 18 fire trucks as well as 40 ambulances.

He settled in Akon, NY to raise his family. He later moved to Savannah, GA, Safety Harbor, FL and Sebastian, FL before finding his last home in Washington, UT.

His priority has always been his family and friends.

He is survived by his spouse and childhood friend Joanie Miles Babel, Joseph C Babel (Dawn M Babel) of Safety Harbor, FL; Sandra J Babel Black (Steven) of Youngsville, NC; Carolyn Babel Ledford (Patrick) of Sebastian, FL; Jeremy S Horn (Molly) of Washington, UT. He is survived by 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; as well as his brother John C Babel (Sandy) of Johnson City, TN; Flora Babel Leamer (John) of Clarence Center, NY; Kathleen Babel Kline (Ronald) of Clarence, NY; Marilyn Babel Judge of San Antonio, TX. He was pre-deceased by his sister Phyllis Babel Graff.