Matthew Babcock, 78, Port Austin passed away on Friday, February 2, 2018, in Courtney Manor, Bad Axe, Michigan following a long illness.

Matt was born on January 2, 1940 in West Branch, Michigan, the son of the late Samuel and Bertha Osbourne Babcock.  He and Mary Ellen Ignash were united in marriage on August 14, 1982 in Port Austin.

After graduating from Port Austin High School, he enlisted in the United States Army becoming a paratrooper.  He served in the Army for just less than four years and had attained the rank of Sergeant.   He was a member the American Legion, Frank Horetski Post 499, Port Austin.  He retired from McCormick Motors in Pigeon, having been their service manager.  Matt loved fishing, hunting, golfing and traveling.

Matt is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Mary Ellen Ignash of Port Austin and siblings: Gary (Lori), Sam (Joanne), Martha and Richard all of Port Austin, sister Evelyn (Steve) of Aberdeen, NC, and his sister in law, Alma, of Caro brothers-in-law: James Ignash of Evart and Carl (Judy) Ignash of Bad Axe, and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his brother Thomas Babcock and his sister-in-law Jane Babcock.

Funeral Mass for Matthew Babcock will be Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 11:00 am at St. Michael's Catholic Church of the Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Port Austin.  Fr. Craig Carolan will officiate.  Cremation has taken place.  Visitation will be Friday, from 2-8 pm at the Knoblock Funeral Home of Kinde. Visitation on Saturday will be at the church beginning at 10 am until time of services at 11:00 am.  Memorials may be made to the Huron County Community Foundation, Arts and Cultural Fund in lieu of flowers