Wynne "Bill" M. Babbitt

Wynne “Bill” M. Babbitt, a life-long resident of Plattsmouth, Nebraska died peacefully on March 14th , 2023, at the golden age of 93. Born on September 10, 1929, in Carson, Iowa, Bill was the youngest of three boys from the union of Darwin “Sandy” Merritt and Frances D. (Charron) Babbitt.

Bill was the embodiment of a hardworking Mid-West farmer, entrepreneur, and hobbyist. He was a jack of all trades and dabbled in a little bit of everything. Early on, Bill started work in the land clearing business. He purchased a bulldozer and became instrumental in helping others when winter weather caused a blizzard in a neighboring state. He also purchased the Jones Barrel Company and ran the operation until later selling to take over his family farm. For many years, Bill owned and operated the local bowling alley, Bowlero Lanes, a place many Plattsmouth residents can look back on and fondly remember. It was later in life when Bill really began to enjoy his side hustle hobbies and became a classic car collector, eBay guru, vintage car part go-to, swap-meet enthusiast, collector of license plates, belt buckles and coins, and the best pedal car restorer this side of the Missouri River.

Above all else, we are most grateful for his role in our lives as a dedicated husband, supportive father, and wonderful grandfather.

Married for 63 years, Bill is survived by the love of his life, Nelva “Sally” Babbitt or “Mrs. B.” as he would affectionately call her. Together, they built a lifetime of memories and experiences while living both in Plattsmouth, Nebraska and wintering in Mesa, Arizona for numerous years.

He also leaves behind his two remaining daughters; Becky and husband Carroll Dexter of Southern Pines, North Carolina, and Julie and husband Tom Taylor of Omaha, Nebraska. Left to carry on Bill’s legacy are his six grandchildren: Jill (Renner) and husband Andy St. Laurent, Ryan and wife Paige Renner, Matty Dexter, Trevor and wife Lauren Taylor, Paige Dexter, and Drew and wife Emily Taylor; and his five great-grandchildren: Tobin Jordan, Jaxon St. Laurent, Ella St. Laurent, Theo Taylor and Collins Taylor. He also leaves behind his son-in-law Mike Renner and numerous nieces and nephews that held a special place in his heart.

Bill was greeted in Heaven by his oldest daughter, Barbara (Babbitt) Renner, his parents, and brothers Naasson and Wayne Hubert “Hub” Babbitt. The family wishes to invite all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with Bill thru the years to join in celebrating a life well-lived on June 10th , 2023, at 10am at the First Presbyterian Church (701 Chicago Avenue, Plattsmouth, Nebraska 68048), with inurnment at Oak Hill Cemetery. A gathering of friends and family will continue at the VFW Post #2543 (510 1st Avenue, Plattsmouth, Nebraska 68048) at 11:30am.

With heartfelt gratitude, the family wishes to thank the Masonic Home medical team for their dedicated care in the final months and days of Bill’s life and Harvey Funeral Home for their compassion and support.

In lieu of floral memorials, please consider remembering Bill by donating to the Plattsmouth Masonic Home or First Presbyterian Church in Plattsmouth.