Mark Ernest Babbitt, Capt USN (Ret)

December 25, 1952 – February 20, 2025

Mark Ernest Babbitt, 72, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 20, 2025, in St. Johns, Florida, with his loving wife, Debbie, by his side. Born on Christmas Day in 1952 to Ernest Dell Babbitt and Betty Joann Babbitt in Orange, Texas, Mark was a gift to all who knew him-a man of unwavering integrity, quiet strength, and boundless optimism.

Mark dedicated his life to service-first to his country, then to his family. In 1972, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Ann Babbitt, in Taft, Texas. Together, they built a life of love, devotion, and adventure as Mark served 33 years on active duty as a Naval Officer in the Medical Service Corps in the United States Navy. His career took them to places across the world-in his words, "All Kinds": Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Portsmouth, VA; Camp Lejeune, NC; Washington, D.C.; Monterey, CA; Camp Pendleton, CA; Twentynine Palms, CA; Okinawa, Japan; Philadelphia, PA; Iwakuni, Japan; and San Antonio, TX. Mark's report to family, his characteristic understatement, "They were nice." Through every move and deployment, Ann was his anchor, his greatest supporter, and the heart of their home. After retiring from the military in 2002, they continued their journey together in Phoenix, AZ, and later in Alaska, where they shared their final years before Ann's passing in 2021.

Though grief weighed heavy, Mark found love once more in an unexpected but beautiful way-with Debbie Wallace, a longtime family friend. Through shared experiences of love and loss, they found joy, healing, and new adventures together, embracing life's next chapter. They split their time between their homes and families in Florida and Alaska, making the most of every moment with the people they loved.

Mark was a man of steadfast principles, whose quiet confidence and unshakable positivity shaped the lives of those around him. He led by example-through kindness, wisdom, and an unyielding love for his family. Whether as a devoted husband, a steady and loving father, or a doting grandfather, our "Captain" made every place he called home one of warmth, belonging, and strength.

Mark cherished a good cup of coffee, Italian food, a sharp pocket knife, a glass of red wine with dinner, westerns, historical biographies, Alaskan fishing and hunting, his fine writing instrument, and spending time with the family he loved. He had an inspiring way of enjoying the small pleasures in life. He was always a provider, protector, and advocate. His loss is profound, but we find peace in knowing that he made the most of every moment he shared with us.

Mark is preceded in death by:
His devoted wife of 49 years, Ann Babbitt
His parents, Ernest Dell Babbitt and Betty Joann Babbitt
His brother, Gregory Wayne Babbitt
His grandson, Boone Shepherd Ladd

Mark is survived by:
His beloved wife, Debbie Wallace, and her son, Brian Wallace of Jacksonville, FL (wife Jamie and their sons David William, Adam William, Jason William, and Daniel William).

The family he built with his loving wife, Ann:

Mark Allan Babbitt of Wasilla, AK (daughters Alexis Ireland and Emerald MacKenzie)
Kathryn Leigh McAdams of Palmer, AK (husband Matthew McAdams and son Sullivan William Smith and his wife, PFC USA Anna Hollier Smith)
Karalyn Louise Ladd of Palmer, AK (husband Lt. Col USMCR (Ret) Jason Ladd and their children Aidan Bliss, Ainsley Grace, Hudson Stone, Wilson Trust, Maverick Ridge, and Shepherd Steele)
Jonathan David Babbitt of Wasilla, AK (wife Danielle Babbitt and their children Colton Phoenix, Rockford James, Bexar Livingston, and Magnolia Louise)

Mark will be laid to rest with full military honors in Palmer, Alaska, beside Ann, reunited in love once more. Though he is gone, his love and wisdom remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him, and his legacy will echo through generations to come.