Harvey Merele Babb, born on January 4, 1949, in Greenville, TX, Harvey was the beloved son of Delmar and Dorothy Babb. He grew up in Campbell, TX, and later attended East Texas State University in Commerce, TX, where he pursued a double major in Chemistry and Physics, with a minor in Biology.
Harvey’s career began in a TV repair shop, where he cultivated his passion for taking things apart and fixing them. He later worked at Eagle International Inc. in Brownsville, then moved on to Victoria Machine Works, and eventually retired from Testengeer as Control Systems Specialist.
Harvey held a patent for an underwater welding machine used in deep-sea oil drilling and exploration, and he also contributed to the design of an underwater laboratory.
For over 30 years, Harvey was active in the Texas Water Safari as the Communications Director. He also served as an officer in both the Victoria and Coleto Creek Amateur Radio Clubs. He also participated with his wife in Relay for Life.
Harvey was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ab and Juanita Williams, Mancil and Edna Babb, and his parents, Delmar Dean and Dorothy Babb. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Babb; his sister, Karla Burke (Ray); his children, Michelle D. Babb, Scott Babb (Michelle), Allen Babb, and Nicole Kinnison (Will); as well as his grandchildren, Megan Babb, Michael Babb (Sara), Jordan Kinnison, and Amanda Ostler (Conrad), and two great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at Colonial Funeral Home on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 5:00 pm with a time of remembrance starting at 6:30. You are invited to share stories of Harvey’s life. Funeral mass will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers are Will Kinnison, Jordan Kinnison, Michael Babb, Wes Hilbrich, Wayne Atkinson and Brady Atkinson. Honorary pallbearers are members of The Texas Water Safari and The Victoria and Coleto Creek Amateur Radio Club.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the many medical professionals and caregivers who showed compassion and care to Harvey, including the staff at PAM North Rehab Hospital and Hospice of South Texas.
We find comfort in knowing that Harvey is now completely healed and in the presence of his Lord and Savior.
Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of South Texas, 1005 Mallette Drive, TX 77904, and towards the Continuo Organ Fund for St. Mary’s Catholic Church, or to a charity of your choice.
Words of comfort, condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com.
