Lyman Clayton Babbitt Jr of Conesus, NY passed away unexpectedly on Sunday April 25, 2021 at the age of 87. Lyman was also known as: Lee, Sonny, Grandpa Sonny, & Grandpa Chicken.
Sonny was born on October 14, 1933 in Scio, NY to the late Lyman & Violet (Potter) Babbitt; the 3rd of 6 children. He grew up on a farm where his family had crops and dairy cows.
His father passed away when he was 15. As the oldest son, he took on the responsibilities of the family. After a few years, the farm was sold and he joined the Army where he spent most of his time in Wahiawa, HI. In 1956 he married Barbara Ann Houghtling. They lived together almost inseparable for 65 years. After marrying, Sonny began working at General Motors in Rochester. He and his family settled in Conesus where they raised 5 children.
Lee had a special energy and made friends everywhere he went and it was hard not to love him. He loved to learn and would often say, “You can never learn enough.” In his earlier years, Lee was an avid hunter and always had a friendship with his black and tan hounds. He never gave up on his farm life roots; through the years he had horses, cows, chickens, peacocks, silver foxes and always a big garden. He loved his family, whether a family party, a baseball game in the side yard, building snow forts & tree houses, fixing cars or fishing- he was proud of all his family and their accomplishments… and his legendary mustache!
In his later years, he enjoyed Genealogy and learning about his Norse & Scottish heritage. He enjoyed bluegrass music and the occasional Guinness. Lee is predeceased in death by his parents, Lyman & Violet Babbitt; his children: Stephen Howard Babbitt, Lyman Clayton Babbitt III and Michele Renee LaClair; Brother, Richard Babbitt; Sisters: Madeline Babbitt, Louise Geffers and Nancy Peters. Lee is survived by his wife Barbara Ann Babbitt; daughters: Yvonne (Richard) Struble, Patricia (Thomas) Barber; son-in-law, Larry Roby; daughter-in-law, Deborah (Alan) Henry; his sister, Wanda Fanton; 19 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren & 3 great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews and other beloved friends and relatives.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Dansville Moose Club. Saturday, May 22nd at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation online at JDRF.org or to the Webster Crossing UMC, 7260 NY-15, Springwater NY 14560.
