Lawrence John Babcock

Lawrence John Babcock

Lawrence John Babcock, a resident of Hillsboro, passed away February 10, 2017 in Portland. He was 88 years of age.

Larry was born on March 28, 1928 in Milwaukie, Oregon and was the son of John and Caroline (Leibrock) Babcock. He spent his younger years in Milwaukie and graduated from the old Hillsboro High School where he was involved with the FFA and raised Duroc pigs. He and his Dad planted and harvested a filbert orchard in addition to farming.

After high school Larry worked for Heinrich Case Tractor and was drafted into the Army during the Korean Conflict as a Tank Mechanic. He received an honorable discharge at the rank of Corporal.

After his service in the Army, Larry returned to the Hillsboro area, bought a corner of his parents land in West Union and with the help of his father and friends, built his own restaurant, paying for it as he went. On August 23, 1959 he married Ava Jean Brown at the Orenco Presbyterian Church. They owned and operated Larry's Burgers and Fountain from 1957-1985.

Larry was a hard worker and a pillar of the community. He built his own house with the help of his dad and friends while raising a family and operating a business. He enjoyed traveling, camping, cutting wood, motorcycles and tractors. He also enjoyed farming, restoring old trucks and big band music. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Larry is survived by his son, Randal Babcock, daughter, Joyce (husband Harry) Thomas and sister, Janet (husband, Rob) Krahmer along with 4 grandchildren and a great grandchild on the way. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean in 2006 and his sister, Julia.

Visitation will be on Monday, February 20, 2017 from 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm with a funeral on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 11:00 am, both at Donelson Funeral Chapel. Private interment will take place at Bethany Presbyterian Cemetery. Contributions may be made in memory of Larry to PBS. Donelson Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangments.