JOHN M. BABBITT
1896-1966
John Babbitt Dies; Lumber Firm Owner
John M. Babbitt, 70, died at 6:15 a.m. today at Pawating Hosptial where he had been a patient about two weeks.
He operated the Babbitt Lumber Company here for 50 years and was a past president of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Niles.
Born July 13, 1896, in Crawfordsville, Ind., he came to Niles in 1907 from Louisville, Ky. On Aug. 7, 1924, he married Fay Smith in Niles.
Surviving in addition to his wife are a daughter, Mrs. Milo L. Ruetz, Niles and two grandchildren.
In addition to the chamber, he was also a member of the Niles Rotary Club, the Knights of Columbus, Niles Elks Club, Fraternal Order of Police, NIles American Legion Post 26, the Pickwick Club and St. Mary's Catholic Church.
His tenure as president of the chamber was from 1932-1933. He was also a director of the Northern Indiana-Southern Michigan Retail Lumberman's Association.
In 1914, he went into business with his father, W.L. Babbitt. During World War I, he enlisted in the Navy.
Funeral services will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at the St. Mary's Catholic Church with the Rt. Rev. Msgr. John D. Slowey officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.
Friends may call after 7 p.m., at the Halbritter-Swem Funeral Home. Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.
The family has asked that memorials be given to charities.
(Source: Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, October 12, 1966, page 2, col. 2&3, microfilm Niles District Library)
