Charles Robert Babbitt

Charles Robert Babbitt, 97 years of age, and a resident of Lorain, passed away Friday, April 21, 2023 at his home following a long and full life.

Charles was born July 12, 1925, in Clarksburg, WV and grew up there until relocating to Lorain in 1961.  

Charles worked at the Ford Motor Company in Lorain retiring as an inspector after nearly 30 years of service.  He proudly served his country as a member of the United State Marine Corp.  Charles served during WWII in the Asiatic Pacific theater as a corporal with an anti tank crew and as a light machine gunner. He participated in battles in Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa.  He also served his country in the Korean War with the First Marine Division as a corporal, receiving multiple citations for his dedication in the the battles of Wonsan -Hungnam- Chosin Reservoir Campaigns, as well as North Korea and South Korea operations.  For his gallantry in both wars Charles was awarded; the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, Asiatic Pacific Theater Medal with 3 bronze stars, Korean service Medal with 3 bronze stars, the Presidential Unit Commendation with 1 bronze star, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, as well as the Purple Heart Medal. 

 He was a member of the Elyria VFW Post 1079.  He loved to tell stories about his time in the military, the missions he had been on and the people he served alongside.  He was eventually persuaded to even engage in a little karaoke now and then.  He loved people, music, and family gatherings of all kinds.

Survivors include his children, Myrna (Tom) Fechko, and Lila (Edgar) Fleming, both of Lorain; eleven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and fifteen great great grandchildren.

Charles was preceded in death by his sweetheart of sixty-one years, Rosa Lee Babbitt (nee: Phillips) in 2020; his brothers, Carson, Earl, Raymond, and Arthur; and his parents, John F. and Lessie Babbitt (nee: Snyder).

Friends may call Wednesday, April 26, 2023, from 11 am until the time of the service at 1 pm at the Hempel Funeral Home, Amherst. Rebroadcasting of services will be available at www.hempelfuneralhome.com . Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery, Avon, Ohio.

For those unable to attend please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.

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