William Robert Babinton

William Robert Babington passed on into a better world on October 3, 2013 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Bill Babington, a long time resident of Albuquerque, was born in Burkburnett, Texas on May 23, 1921 to Percival Babington and Josephine Newman Babington. Bill lived and was raised in Wichita Falls, Texas. He learned to fly after high school. He worked his way through Hardin Simmons Junior College receiving his two years associate degree. Bill then enrolled in the Naval Aviation Cadet program. He earned his wings as a Naval Aviator in 1942 and was assigned to fly PBM patrol seaplanes initially in the Caribbean and then the Pacific. He met his wife Alice, a Navy nurse, in San Diego. After completing his wartime service, Bill and Alice returned to Texas. They moved to New Mexico in 1951. He worked for Mountain Statues Mutual Casualty Company as an insurance adjuster, becoming a Vice President for the Company. During his years in Albuquerque, he was active in hot air ballooning as well as the Masons and Rotary International. After retiring, Alice and Bill enjoyed cruising the world. He is survived by his wife, Alice, his bride of 67 years, his two sons and their wives, Rusty and Carol and Paul and Vicki, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was a tough but fair man who will be missed. The family would like to thank the staff at the Heritage Assisted Living, Memorial Medical Center and Mesilla Valley Hospice for their care shown to Bill. PDF Printable Version