Thomas “Tom” L. Babicky, Sr., 81, passed on May 23, 2024, in Springfield. He was born on January 12, 1943, to Thomas P. and Irene M. (Wilson) Babicky in Springfield. He married Beverly K. Armes on November 1, 1967, in Springfield and they celebrated 46 years of marriage before her passing in 2013. He was also preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Raymond Armes; and mother-in-law, Frances “Grams” Armes.
Tom attended Lanphier High School and then joined the U.S. Air Force where he was stationed at Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, New Mexico. During his military service, he was assigned as an Aviation Technician servicing military aircraft. Several times during his enlistment, Tom aided in the search and recovery of downed military aircraft. This ignited a lifetime devoted to serving others.
After four years of military service, with public service in mind, Tom went on to join the Sandia Mountain Ski Patrol. He later served as a lifeguard at a community pool where he occasionally taught swimming for disabled children. His lifetime of service continued upon his return to Springfield where he joined the Sangamon County Rescue Squad and was promoted through the ranks to Chief. After retiring from the Rescue Squad, Tom continued his community service by volunteering with the Sherman Fire Department as Assistant Chief, Sangamon County Rapid Response Dive Team and Riverton Fire Department.
He worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation as a civil draftsman, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety on the Radiological Emergency Response Team, and later as a Trainer at the Illinois Department of Corrections Training Academy. He retired in 2002 after 37 years of State service. After retirement, he certified as a Concealed Carry Instructor.
After his many years in EMS service, he found a new purpose through Masonry. He was a member of Springfield Masonic Lodge #4, Tyrian Lodge #333, and Valley of Springfield Scottish Rite, serving as Stage Director and a member of Knights of St. Andrew. He was a recipient of the Meritorious Service Award (MSA) for the Illinois Council of Deliberation. He was also an Ansar Shrine Mason serving as past president of the Jeepsters Unit, member of Director’s Staff, Past Commander of Ansar Legion of Honor and Assistant Provost Marshal for the Provost Unit.
He is survived by his son, Thomas L. Babicky, Jr. (Michelle O’Neal-Babicky) of Riverton; daughter, Angie (Gerry) Williams of Springfield; grandchildren, Lucas (Amy) Patterson of Rochester, Keagan (Samantha) Babicky of Mechanicsburg, and Madisyn “Munchkin” Williams of Springfield; great-grandchildren, Camryn, Brenton, Charlotte, Beverly, and Raymond; companion, Paulette Mann of Springfield; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, with Masonic services to follow.
Graveside Service: 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors and Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating.
Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children (St. Louis) and Valley of Springfield Children's Dyslexia Center.
