Sheldon Grant Babcock

Friday, Jul. 29, 2016

HELPER — Sheldon Grant Babcock died on July 10, 2016, after a long illness. He was a devoted son, husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend to many.

Grant was born on April 10, 1929, in Hiawatha, Utah to Vardes Andrew Babcock and Mary Albertson Babcock. He grew up in Castle Gate, Utah and graduated from Carbon High School in 1947, and the College of Eastern Utah in 1948.

Grant married Lorraine Chesnik on June 30, 1950; they lived, loved, laughed and danced together for the following 66 years. She was his “Sweet Lorraine” to the very last day. They were the parents of a beloved son, David, and a cherished daughter, Shelly. 

Grant followed his dad into the coal mining industry to buy his first car. He was a proud member of the UMWA, and served as a moderator between labor and management for many years. 

He was the last survivor of a mine explosion on Dec. 16, 1963, in which he lost nine of his friends and co-workers. After serving on the rescue team for two days, he walked away, never to return again. 

In 1965, he established Grant Distributing Company and managed it successfully for the next 32 years.

He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting and riding snowmobiles with family and friends. He was a member of the Price Elks Lodge #1550, serving in every office; he was elected Exalted Ruler in 1965-1966 during the lodge’s glory days with 900 members. He also served on the lodge’s board of trustees for 20 years. 

Grant was a gentle man who could build or repair anything from a broken toy to a broken heart. He owned many automobiles and was an expert mechanic. His favorite was a 1930 Ford Model A Roadster, which he restored to perfection with his son. He was a member of the Pair-A-Dice Car Club, and won many trophies at car shows. 

Grant is survived by his wife, Lorraine; son Dave (Gaye) Babcock, Spring Glen, Utah; daughter Shelly (Jim) Stephenson, Houston, Texas; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bill and Frank, sisters Leona Coles and Vivian Laursen, and in-laws Joe, Jennie and JoAnn Chesnik Couch. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Helper. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Price Elks Lodge #1550 charity programs. 

 

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