Francis Lee “Bud” “Doc” Babcock, 87, passed away of natural causes on Dec. 23, 2015, at his home in Green Valley, Ariz. Born Sept. 17, 1928, in Rochester, Bud’s youth was happily spent on Lake Manitou, where his parents owned rental cottages and, over the years, other businesses, including a restaurant, a meat processing plant, and a boat dealership.

Before pursuing his BS and Doctor of Optometry degrees at Indiana University, Bud proudly served in the U. S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War. While he was stationed in Bainbridge, Md., he met his “life’s helpmate and one love”, Mary Galinski, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. Generally known as “Doc,” Bud moved his growing family to Culver, and opened his optometry practice in 1957, where he practiced until his retirement in 1998. For many years, he travelled to Argos twice a week to care for patients there, as well.

Bud found great joy in helping others – from annual elementary school vision checks to home visits for shut-ins to providing blood pressure monitoring at local clinics during his retirement. He helped make our little corner of the world a clearer place –thanks to a child’s brand new set of glasses or early detection of eye disease. Optometry was his profession, but making a difference in people’s lives was his art and his gift.

He is survived by his children: Mary Theressa “Terry” Babcock, Tucson, Ariz.; Lawrence Alexander “Larry” Babcock, Fort Wayne; Robert Allen (Susan) Babcock Sr., Rome, Ga.; William Howard Babcock, Rome, Ga.; and Rebecca Ann (Andrew) Babcock Kelly, New Orleans, La.; and grandchildren: R. Allen Babcock Jr., Leysin, Switzerland; Andrew Cooper (India) Babcock; and Bradley Ross Pollard, Rome, Ga.; and Kathleen Mariella Kelly; and Eamon Francis Kelly, New Orleans, La. He was preceded in death by his wife: Mary Ella Galinski Babcock; his parents: Lawrence Isaac “Doc” and Theressa Mae (Hendricks) Babcock; his siblings: Bonita Jean Stewart; and William L. Babcock; and his granddaughter: Mary Alice Babcock.

In accordance with their wishes, Mary and Bud’s ashes will be interred together during a private, graveside memorial service
that will be held at the Culver Masonic Cemetery, Culver, on June 29.

Odom Funeral Home is assisting their family with arrangements.