Memorials › Ernest George Babek

Ernest George Babek

21 Jun 1924 – 29 Jun 2024

Birth21 Jun 1924
Death29 Jun 2024
CemeteryRock Cemetery
Granite , Greer County , Oklahoma , USA
Added byokiegal03 on 04 Jul 2024
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/272116992

Bio

Ernest George Babek was inducted into the CENTENARIANS OF OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME on the occasion of his 100th birthday celebration. Ernest embodies our Greatest Generation in that he rose from modest means and origins, answered the call of duty for our country, fullfilled his ambitions, raised a family, served his community and pursued love and happiness. His centenarian file including biography will be sent to the Oklahoma Historical Society in Oklahoma City to become a permanent part of Oklahoma history. (Peggy Barnett 48791192) Ernest George Babek passed from this life on June 29, 2024 in Clinton, OK at the age of 100. He was born on June 21, 1924 in Granite, OK to Joe and Anna (Gelnar) Babek. Ernest attended and graduated from Brinkman High School in 1943. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in August 1943. Ernest was sent to gunnery school in Wichita Falls, TX and qualified as a, "sharpshooter." At the age of 19, he was stationed in England, where he was a gunner on a B-24 Bomber. Ernest heroically flew 21 bombing missions over Germany during World War II. He told many stories of his time in the military in great detail. He recalled the long boat ride from the US to England, his experiences on base and being, "just a kid," on his bombing missions. Sergeant Babek was sent back to the US at the end of the war in 1945 after bravely and courageously serving his country. After returning home to the US, he continued farming. Ernest met Bobbie Jo Hatter in Willow, OK while she worked at the drugstore. He visited the drugstore often and she made him a chocolate malt every Sunday. On Valentines Day, February 14, 1950, they married at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mangum, OK. To this union four children were born: Miranda (Randi), Ernest (Bubba), Joe Bob, and Nancy. Ernest and Bobbie built their loving home on Lake Creek Road, north of Granite. He was District 2 Greer County Commissioner from 1982 to 1991, coached Little League baseball going to state three times, and he continued farming until his 90s. Ernest served on the Granite School Board and was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mangum, OK. Many people called him friend, but only a few had the pleasure of calling him, "Totty." Ernest took his grandchildren and great grandchildren camping, taught them how to fish and water ski, ran races with them from the barn to the house, and would serve them a huge bowl of vanilla ice cream whenever he was asked. There will never be another Totty. He enjoyed hosting countless gatherings and holidays at his home, welcoming family and friends to his table. Ernest is preceded in death by his wife Bobbie Babek, parents Joe and Anna Babek, four brothers Leon, Penny, Albert, and Raymond, and two sons-in-law Joe Palmeri and Tommy Wilson.

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