Wilbert (Wil) Babitzke, 85, of Fort Smith, AR passed away on November 13, 2019. He was born April 24, 1934 in Higgins, Texas to T.C. Babitzke and Dollie Schneider Babitzke. Wil was an Army Korean War Veteran. He worked for Weldon, Williams and Lick for 25 years before retiring. He was a very active member of First Lutheran Church of Fort Smith, AR. Wil was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Betty Ann Babitzke.
He is survived by one daughter, Cindy Gibson (Greg) of Lavaca; two grandsons, Brandon Gibson (Brittany) of Joplin, MO; Bryan Gibson (Stephanie) of Rogers, AR; five great grandchildren, Aiden, Ainsley, Archer, Aria and Owen Gibson; one sister, Edna Phillips of Van Buren and a large church family.
Graveside Service with military honors will be 10 AM, Monday, November 18, 2019 at Fort Smith National Cemetery. Visitation will be 2 PM till 4 PM, Sunday, November 17, 2019 at Edwards Funeral Home. Services are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Dean Gibson, Keith Gibson, Bennett Nolan, Lee Bennett Moore, Mike Phillips, Kelly Babitzke and Jeff Bryant.
Memorials may be made to First Lutheran School, 2407 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903.