David Reed Babbitt, age 71, passed away October 9, 2023, in Waco, Texas following his battle with cancer. Growing up in a military family, David lived in multiple locations throughout the world. Following graduation from Oakton High School in 1971, David joined the Army to continue his family’s service to our country. David was a Combat Support Specialist for 1st Battalion 26th Infantry, a Vietnam Veteran, and an Army Ranger.
David enjoyed discussions with Army “Brown Boot” old timers. He also loved to share his experiences and skills with his siblings and to spend his free time outdoors enjoying all that nature has to offer. One of David’s favorite pastimes was fishing, both with family and friends.
David was preceded in death by his adoptive parents, Franklin Goodspeed Babbitt and Norma Babbitt; stepmother, Frances Anne King Babbitt; and brother, Stephen Babbitt.
David is survived by his sister, Melissa Babbitt Crane and husband Larry; niece, Samantha, and multiple step-siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in David’s memory to a charity of your choice.
No services are planned at this time.
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Dave had a habit of keeping to himself – a very private man – but we became close friends after we became neighbors on 1 January 2021. I had the honor of meeting Dave’s sister today, 5 November 2023 – good, sweet people. I took the liberty of creating a permanent memorial for Dave on Find a Grave. Godspeed Dave – it was a surpassing honor to have known you. You are missed, every day. Salute. -James M. Paton, Waco, Texas
David was my step brother. One of my early memories of David (before our parents got married) is of him with one of his arms in a sling. When I asked him about it he said that he had injured his arm in a parachuting accident while on Army duty. Another memory is of him in his Army dress uniform walking into our parent’s wedding reception with a peacock in his arms and saying ” I couldn’t think of what to buy the couple who has everything, so I bought you a peacock. ” Your battle is done David. Rest in peace, and know that you served your country well.
We were surprised and saddened when we learned of David’s passing. We have special memories of times spent with him. He and Clif shared a love of fishing and enjoyed going to local lakes to fish. David cared about his family and liked to come up with special gifts like the pair of beautiful peacocks he gave his dad and Jessica’s and my mother for their wedding gift. I still have some of the tail feathers and remember how some of the neighbors were initially very startled by the male peacock call at multiple times during the day.
May David be at peace and know that he will be missed.