John Orlo Babcock, age 87, of Watertown, S.D.

    John Orlo Babcock, age 87, of Watertown, S.D., died Sept. 3, 2009, in Watertown. Life celebration services were held Sept. 7, 2009, at First Baptist Church in Watertown. Pastor Joe Ellyson and Pastor Sam Ellyson officiated.

    Mr. Babcock was born Oct. 23, 1921, in Aberdeen, S.D. to George R. and Ella M. (Overby) Babcock. He grew up around Mellette, S.D., attended Brentford Consolidated schools, graduating from Onaka High School. He graduated from the School of Mines and Technology in civil engineering in 1943. He worked at Curtiss-Wright Airplane Company in the drafting, engineering and hydraulics department in Columbus, Ohio, during World War II. He married Harriet M. Cossum Jan. 6, 1945, in Columbus. They moved to Watertown in 1947, where he worked for Scott Engineering. He became the city engineer in Watertown and worked 34 years, retiring in 1983. Throughout that time and during retirement he owned and operated Babcock Surveying Service. Due to Alzheimers he spent his last years at Reflections Memory Care Center. He was a member of Kiwanis Club, board member at Memorial Hospital, active member in the First Baptist Church participating as Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, choir member, deacon and trustee. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, traveling and spending time with his family and friends.

    He was preceded in death by his wife; and brother, Elden. He is survived by his daughters, Betty and husband Merrill Tronson of Glenwood; Janet Young of Elkhorn, Neb.; Sandy and husband Roger Ellyson of Watertown; and Bev and husband Jeff Bartz of Coon Rapids, Minn.; son, Bob and wife Tammy Babcock of Aberdeen; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Arrangements made by the Wight, Comes & Sogn Funeral Chapel in Watertown.