GOUVERNEUR – Otis G. “Gib” Babcock Sr., 81, of Watertown and formerly of Gouverneur, died Sunday, August 16, 2009 at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 7:00 pm in Fullerville Cemetery, Fowler with Rev. Dr. Wilfred Baez, pastor of the Gouverneur United Methodist Church officiating. There are no calling hours. Arrangements are with Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

He was born on February 2, 1928, the son of Timothy and Jessie Swan Babcock. Gib attended school in Antwerp and then served in the U.S. Navy during WW II and the Korean War. He worked for Armours Meat Co., Watertown and was a tractor trailer driver for many years.

Gib married Sally Reynolds in 1975 and she died September 8, 2005. A previous marriage to Catherine Lucas ended in divorce.

Mr. Babcock was a life member of Gouverneur B.P.O.E Lodge #2035 and the American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching professional wrestling, and was a New York Yankees fan.

He is survived by three daughters Cindy and Bob Brown of Watertown, Charlene and Dennis Wells of Atlanta, GA, and Robin and Michael Sweeney of Gouverneur, three sons Tim and Kelly Babcock of Watertown,  Otis “Mike” Jr. and Janet Babcock of Calcium, and Tom Reynolds of Fulton, 16 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, a brother Ernie Babcock of Florida, two sisters Jane Tharrett of Gouverneur and Tilly Babcock of Syracuse. He is predeceased by two sons Patrick and James Babcock, a daughter Wendy Babcock, several brothers and sisters.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Foundation of Jefferson County, 425 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601 or GouverneurLapierre, PO Box 476, Gouverneur, NY 13642. Business Women Breast Cancer Fund, c/o Marilyn