Obituary of Milton W. Babcock, Jr.

Milton "Sam" William Babcock, Jr., 93, of Cardiff, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. Sam is predeceased by: his parents, Mildred (Pierce) and Milton Babcock, Sr.; and sister, Alice "Doll" Merdent. He is survived by: his loving wife of 62 years, Betty J. (Nolan) Babcock; daughter, Darlene Schenandoah (Joseph) King; grandson, Erik J. (Miranda) Sorensen; granddaughter, and caregiver, Betty (Sid Hill) Lyons; great grandsons, Garrett Lyons, Sid Hill Jr., Nolan Sorensen, Keegan Hemlock; great granddaughter, Rebecca Sorensen; as well as many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are: daughter, Paula Hemlock; son, Milton Babcock; and grandchildren.

Sam was raised on the Onondaga Nation and lived in the town of Cardiff, NY with his wife Betty for more than 60 years. Sam was the first Fire Chief of the volunteer Fire department on the Onondaga Nation, and was integral to their effort to construct their first fire truck. A veteran of the US Navy, Sam was the oldest surviving veteran of WWII from the Onondaga Nation. He worked alongside his father as a mason. Sam and his wife were the first Native Americans to obtain a liquor license in the state of NY, and owned and operated the family restaurant- Babcock’s Inn, for 27 years. After his retirement from the food service business, Sam was employed by the Oneida Nation for 25 years, and retired at the age of 89! Sam is revered by his family and friends for his sense of humor, generosity, gentle nature, and for having taught so many of us how to derive enjoyment from hard work.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 13, from 5 -8 pm at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, LaFayette. A funeral service will be held on Thursday April 14 at 9:30 am, at the funeral home. Procession for burial will follow to Onondaga Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.

To have a memorial tree planted in an area of need in honor of Sam, or to send flowers for services, please use the Send Flowers link to the left. Online condolences may be left under his Tribute Wall.