Arthur Leland Schreiber Parker Babbitt, age 86, passed away peacefully with his loving wife Yvonne and daughter Sloan by his side, on December 25, 2022.

Art was born in Born in Buffalo, NY on September 6, 1936, to Herbert E. Parker and Virginia "Ginnie" Mackey Parker. In 1950, the family moved from upstate New York to Arlington, Texas. Every summer thereafter, he would make his way to Charleston, West Virginia to work for his uncle, later moving in with his aunt and uncle to finish high school and attend college.

Babbitt's quick mind and creative spirit led him to found and operate advertising agencies during the 60's and 70's, becoming the Chief Executive at Adams and May Advertising in Corpus Christi. During the late 70's and 80's, he worked for local commercial television stations and volunteered for the local PBS station, assisting with the annual auction several years. He enjoyed writing and wrote 6 self- published books. He was active in the Little Theater and one of his most noted performances was the lead in "A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum."

In 1981, he met and married his constant companion and best friend, Yvonne Mooney Hipp. He later joined Yvonne working at their furniture business, Patio & Interiors, until his retirement in 2002.

Art loved to ski and began skiing in 1995. He and Yvonne became part of an annual ski group called ExtravaGANZa in Crested Butte. Because of his theater background and his penchant for breaking out into song, he was instrumental in organizing the annual skit nights, creating many great memories and lifelong friendships.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, brother Peter Parker and sister Maureen Kennedy. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, his children Kelly Ledsinger (George), Tracey Morris (Glen), Brittany Barta (Joe), Catherine Babbitt (Cindy), Brian Babbitt (Bonnie), Sloan Foster, stepdaughter Erica Hipp Haycock (Garrett) and grandchildren: Ryan Ledsinger; David, Isaiah (Amanda), Noah, and Hannah Morris; Joseph Barta; Jaxon, Joshua, and Jason Babbitt; Carter and Tyler Haycock and several great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PeeWee's Pet Adoption, http://peeweespaws.com/