Clyde J Babcock

Clyde J Babcock, 96, of Loves Park, IL, peacefully departed on September 26, 2026, at his home in the loving care of his family.

He was born January 2, 1930 in Freeport, IL to Elta E. Staver and Eber R. Babcock. He was the youngest of his 4 brothers, Royce, Harold, Glenn, and Gene. He grew up on a farm and spent much of his youth tending the fields with his siblings.

He married his one and only love, Dorothy Joan Penticoff, March 20, 1948 in Stephenson County, IL. They were married 59 years before Dorothy unfortunately passed in 2007. His heart always remained with his wife, he never remarried.

They were the proud parents of three surviving children Douglas Babcock, Vickie (Babcock) Tucker, and Penny Babcock, and three children who preceded them in death; Mark, Randy, and Dennis. Clyde was also blessed with 6 grandchildren, Aaron Babcock, Tony Babcock, Kyle Rogers, Samuel Tucker, Heidi Eye, and Katelin Eye: eight great-grandchildren, Payton Babcock, Hailey Babcock, Owen Babcock, Myles Babcock, Jackson Rogers, Amelia Tucker, Liliana Tucker, and Hazel Wright. Clyde cherished the time spent with his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren watching them grow and learn.

The majority of his life he worked in the Dairy industry. He started out by driving a milk delivery truck for Borden Dairy. Then he worked at the Dean Foods factories in Woodstock, Janesville and Rockford from which he retired. Clyde was a proud member of the Eagles Club, United Commercial Travelers (UTC), and Foresters.

He liked working with his hands, doing upholstery and carpentry projects. In his young adult years, he was known to enjoy a nice cold Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, win or lose. He liked to roller skate, bowl, and golf. He would take his family on camping trips to Atwood Park. He loved a good crossword puzzle and relished the challenge from the daily newspaper with his morning coffee.

Clyde was a simple, quiet, hardworking family man who took pleasure in the little things in everyday life.

As a family, we would like to offer our sincerest gratitude to the wonderful hospice nurses who helped take care of Clyde.

Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, IL. with visitation form 10 a.m. to service time. Burial at 3 p.m. in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 2514 IL-26 Freeport, IL 61032.