Richard "Rick" Babcock

Richard “Rick” Jon Babcock passed peacefully on to heaven Saturday August 6, 2022, at home, with his wife and kids by his side. Rick was born January 22, 1962, in Des Moines, Iowa to Richard “Dick” and Catherine (Nelson) Babcock. Rick grew up in Indianola and graduated from Indianola High School in 1980. He attended DMACC and earned his Associates degree in Applied Science and Auto Mechanics. After graduation from DMACC, he began working for Good Year in Des Moines. He met his wife, April and they married September 24th, 1988. Rick began his career with Electrical Engineering and Equipment March 1, 1989 and has worked for 3E up until his passing. He was the Generator Division Shop Forman. Rick was known for his dedication to 3E, taking exceptional care of his employees and customers for 33 years. Rick and April welcomed their precious daughter, Stephanie on March 16, 1990. They moved from Des Moines to Norwalk in 1995 and then moved to and settled in Johnston in 2002, where they became founding members and core servant leaders at Pathway Church. Rick loved God and served Him and His people well, both in the church and in his circle of family, friends, coworkers, customers and strangers. He deeply loved his wife and kids and his grand dog Gremlin. He had a passion for cars, specifically Mustangs and enjoyed customizing and driving his 2006 GT. He enjoyed being a servant leader at church, spending time with family and friends, listening to music, playing trumpet and bass, wood working, shooting at the gun range, flying remote control airplanes, auto racing, fishing, camping, jet skiing and all things beach. He thoroughly enjoyed home renovation projects, refurbishing heirloom furniture and restoring the mini CT-70 Honda that he rode as a kid. Rick loved donuts, M&M’s and chocolate chip cookies. He was a true patriot who loved his country. He tried to be the gruff, aloof, I don’t like people guy and it just didn’t work. He was a humble, strong but gentle, quiet man that was driven to extravagant generosity and caring for all those around him. A man of few words, he was kind, thoughtful, trustworthy, loyal and most always, infuriatingly, right about everything. He is survived by his wife, April Babcock; Daughter Stephanie and son-in-law Nicholas Newbury; Father Richard “Dick” (Colene) Babcock, Brothers Dennis (Jill) Babcock, Tim (Colleen) Babcock, Nephews Travis, Nick (Kaylee), Ryan and Brady, numerous extended family members, and more church family, neighbors and friends than could be counted. Rick was proceeded in death by his mother, Catherine (Nelson) Babcock. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Pathway Church, 6523 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131. Memorials will be used for Krispy Kreme donuts, music/sound ministry and a yearly scholarship to send children to Central Iowa Bible Camp. Family will greet friends on Thursday, August 11th from 5pm-8pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home at 8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA. Celebration of Life Praise and Worship service will be held Friday August 12th at 6pm at Pathway Church 6523 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA. Rick requested a party with the band and so that’s what we’ll do. Inurnment at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines will be a private family gathering at a later date.