Wesley Wes James Babcock

Wes moved to his greenest pasture Saturday March 17, 2007 in Stillwater, Oklahoma at the age of 78. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday March 21, 2007 at Palmer Marler Carberry Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastors Paul Jones and Jim Nance presiding. Graveside services will be at 3:00 PM at the Lexington Cemetery where he will be laid to rest near his grandson.
Wes Babcock was born May 28, 1928 in Frazer, Montana to Ray and Gladys Babcock. As a small child, the family relocated to Yakima, Washington, where they owned and operated a hop farm and where we attended school and excelled in basketball. At the age of 16 he joined the Merchant Marines during WWII and followed with service in the Marine Corp. during the Korean War. Wes was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, where he became friends with Allen Houston and they competed in numerous rodeos together. Allen introduced Wes to his sister Wanda. He and Wanda Lee Houston were married December 4, 1954 in Downey, California and they began their family in California and then relocated to Montana and then made their home in Oklahoma and were married for 52 years. Wes was a 4 time Saddle Bronc Champion from 1954-1957, with the CAA(Cowboys Ass. Of America) and a member of the PRCA (Pro-Rodeo Cowboy Association). He continued his love and passion of breaking and selling horses, until the age of 75.
He made his living as a member of the Ironworkers Union Local 48 Oklahoma City for 40 years, after which he retired and worked at Cimarron Trails Golf Course in Perkins. Wes was one of the hardest working men around.
During his retirement he always remained a true competitor as Wes became a 6-handicap golfer and club champion at Perry Country Club. Other passions that he excelled at were pool, dominoes, cards and western art. Wes also, lent his expertise as a coach to the OSU Rodeo Team and was instrumental in building their first rodeo arena.
A charter Member of the Moose Lodge in Alva, as well as a member of the Senior Citizens in Stillwater, his quick wit and humor and story telling was widely known and expected, always bringing smiles and laughs to all. Usually opionated, everyone always knew where they stood with Wes. His generosity and friendship touched many.
He gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ and was saved in a local saddle shop here in Stillwater. He was a good husband, father, grandfather, friend and all-around hand.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Virginia and Grandson Tyler Houston Babcock.
Survivors include his wife Wanda of Stillwater, two sons: Frank and his wife Susan of Lake Villa, Il., Mark and his wife Leah of Ada, Ok., 3 brothers: Dave and Ned Babcock of Seattle, WA., Walt Babcock of Cut Bank, MT., one sister Margaret Pephyrs of Seattle, Washington. Condolences and online guess book are available@pmcfh.com