Joe Babbitt

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Joseph (Joe) T. Babbitt, age 91 of Webb City, Mo. passed away unexpectedly at 11:43 p.m. Friday December 5th, 2025, at National Healthcare in Joplin while recovering from a short illness. Just days before, Joe and his family were fortunate enough to enjoy a family filled week of visiting and an outing to his favorite steakhouse. His family and friends meant everything to him.

Joe was born November 12th, 1934, in Pollock, Mo. He lived in Webb City most of his life. He met the love of his life, Myrtle Lee Connor, and they married September 17th, 1955, in Webb City. She preceded him in death on October 5, 2021. Joe visited her every single day at the cemetery until he was no longer able to make the trip daily. They spent exactly 4 years and 2 months to the day apart, until he walked through the gates in heaven where they were reunited and rejoicing hand in hand. 

Joe was employed for 36 years with the W.R. Grace and Co., Chemical Division, Joplin Plant, where he had served as Superintendent and Plant Manager, prior to his retirement. Joe was also a master woodworker and built many furniture pieces, cabinets, and anything else he could construct out of wood. He was always ready for a project, even recently when he was able to go out to his shop and build some of his beautiful cutting boards. He was honorably discharged from the Army National Guard of Missouri. Joe was a long-time member of the Frisco Church of Webb City.

Joe and Myrtle Lee were able to take many trips to destinations all over the world, including Australia, Alaska, Jerusalem, and Ireland. They eventually fell in love with Arizona and became “snowbirds”, staying there every winter to avoid the cold Midwest.

In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by a granddaughter. Survivors include two sons, David Babbitt and wife Richele, Webb City, and Eric Babbitt and wife Mindy, rural Columbus, Ks., two daughters, Susan Hole and husband Joel, Springfield, Mo., and Melanie Reynolds and husband David, Dallas, TX., 11 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. 

Services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Frisco Church in Webb City with Rev. Matt Snyder, officiating. Visitation will precede the service at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, also at the Church. Burial will follow the service at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City.

Memorial contributions are requested to the Frisco Church in care of the Mortuary. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mason-Woodard Mortuary of Joplin.