Michael Wayne Babbs, 53, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2017.

Since age 19, Michael worked for The Evansville Courier and Press/The Gleaner, having received several awards for his service.  He was instrumental in creating the annual Gleaner Pet Calendar which benefitted the Henderson County School Outreach Program.  He loved to travel abroad visiting many countries and enjoyed the outdoors.  Michael loved his fur babies and thoroughly enjoyed family get togethers.  He was an avid country music fan and adored Carrie Underwood.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Hoover "Hoot" and Myrtle Shofner Babbs; one brother-in-law, Michael Dean Baushke; one great-nephew, Reed Brian Thomas Miller; and his babies, Lady Sheba Dawn and Mandy.

Survivors include Bryan Peelman and Abbey of Henderson, Kentucky; two sisters, Patricia Ann Babbs Lewis and her husband, Daniel, of Uniontown, Kentucky, and Melody Rose Babbs Baushke of  Henderson, Kentucky; one brother, Tony Curtis Babbs of Henderson, Kentucky; three nieces, Crystal Michelle Lewis Miller, Bambie Dawn Babbs King, Melissa Ann Baushke; three nephews, Steven Allen Lewis, Michael Curtis Babbs, and Mason Dean Baushke; and four great-nephews.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home.  Jim Voyles will officiate.  Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Monday at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Henderson.