Joe Perry Babb

Retired U. S. Army Colonel Joe P. Babb, 82, of Harker Heights, Texas, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025. He was born on September 26, 1942, in Hugo, Oklahoma to Hazel and Eugene Babb. Joe married Trudy Ann Ellis, and together they raised three children. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren and great-grandfather to seven great-grandchildren.

Joe grew up in Grant, Oklahoma, where he attended school in a small-town setting. While serving in the military, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Colonel Babb dedicated over 30 years to active military service. His career began in the U. S. Navy, where he served most of his 3 years and 6 months with his older brother Phil. After leaving the Navy, he attended Army Reserve Officer Candidate School and entered active Army service in December 1965. Over the next 26 years and nine months, he served with distinction, including two combat tours in Vietnam - first as a soldier and later as a helicopter pilot and aircraft maintenance test flight officer. He flew over 1,000 hours in a combat zone and later served as Chief of Staff for the 22nd Support Command during Desert Storm. Colonel Babb’s military career included time in Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, Nebraska, Texas, Washington DC, Kansas, Puerto Rico, and then back to Texas where he retired on October 1, 1991.

Colonel Babb’s exemplary service earned him numerous honors, including two Legion of Merit awards, three Bronze Stars (one with Valor), six Meritorious Service Medals, eight Air Medals, two Purple Hearts, and many other distinguished recognitions. He was a “True Patriot” whose contributions were celebrated with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Army upon his retirement.

Joe was deeply devoted to his family and country. He was an avid bass fisherman, but spent most of his retirement days with his loved ones supporting them in all their many activities and endeavors.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Phil Babb; and his granddaughter, Lindsay Nicole Bell. He is survived by his wife, Trudy Ann Babb; his children, Becca Jo Bell and husband Mark, Sherri Ann Mallory, and Jeffrey Eugene Babb and wife Ashley; grandchildren Shawn Bell and wife Hali, Erin Mallory, Ryan Mallory and wife Carmen, Brian Bell and wife, Taylor, and Seth Babb; and great-grandchildren, Cannon, Braxton, Saydi, Luke, Grayson, Tatum, and Reese. He is also survived by his sister, Paula Babb Thomas.

The memorial service honoring Colonel Babb will be on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Tx. Visitation will take place from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., prior to the service. Full military honors will be rendered at Killeen City Cemetery at 2:30 p.m., prior to the burial.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at Our Hospice House and Amedisys Hospice Care for the love and support they gave Joe and the entire Babb family during his stay there. In addition, the family would like to thank the staff at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Colonel Joe P. Babb’s name to Our Hospice House at ourhospicehouse.org.