Colonel Herbert A. Babb, USAF Ret.

Wyoming - Colonel Herbert A. Babb, USAF Ret., aged 95 of Wyoming, Illinois, died peacefully on January 10th, 2026, at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Wichita, KS on December 2nd, 1930. He attended Wichita State and earned his bachelor’s degree in economics before joining the Air Force as a commissioned officer in 1953.

His military career spanned nearly 30 years and included being stationed at Strategic Air Command Headquarters at Offutt AFB near Omaha, where he met and married Virginia L (Hughes) Babb enlisted USAF, Anderson AFB in Guam, and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. While at the Pentagon he earned his master’s degree in public affairs and information from American University. In 1978 he retired from service while stationed at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, AL.

Col. Babb is survived by two children, Kimberly Kent and Christopher Babb, both of Wyoming, Il. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Leisa Boswell of Washington, DC, Jennifer (Zach) Babb of Morton, Il, Evan Murphy Boswell of Wyoming, IL and Melody Kent of Galva, Il and two great grandchildren, Justin and Rhett. Surviving also is one sister-in-law, Rose Hughes of Montana, several nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews across the globe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William J. Babb II and Selma (Ahrens) Babb, his wife of 54 years Virginia, his eldest sister Beverley Babb, his brother Bill Babb, his eldest son Herbert A Babb II, and his infant son John Timothy Babb. Also preceding him in death are four brothers in law, Bruce, Jay, Jerry, and Jim, as well as three sisters in law, Bernadine, Lois, and Audrey.

In his free time, he enjoyed playing (competitively) cards with family and friends, thick chocolate milkshakes, and a good cigar.

Cremation rights were accorded and a graveside ceremony with military honors will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2026, at St. Dominic Catholic Cemetery in Wyoming. A visitation will be prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Haskell Funeral & Cremation Services in Wyoming. In lieu of flowers, Col. Babb asked that you support your local public library by making a financial or in-kind donation. Online condolences for Col. Babb’s family may be left on his tribute wall at www.haskellfuneral.com.

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