Todd Babington
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Memorial service for Todd W. Babington, 52, Lawrence will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary. Mr. Babington died May 12, 2011 at his home.
He was born on December 3, 1958 in Des Moines, Iowa the son of William Charles Babington and Joan May (Hanchus) Woodruff.
Todd owned and operated his own restaurant, a First Watch franchise, from October 1997 until March 2011. The relationships he formed with his beloved customers and employees brought him much joy.
Survivors include two daughters, Casey Franke and husband, Joseph, and Kristine, all of Overland Park, KS; two sisters, Jamie McCormick and husband, Barry, Bucyrus, KS, Wendy Davidson and husband, Marshall, Wake Forrest, NC; three Nieces, Kelli, Kim, and Whittney; 2 Nephews, Brandon, and Matthew; and two beloved dogs, Emma and Maggie.
Guests may arrive at 1:30 p.m. to visit and view the DVD slideshow before the service.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Juvenile Diabetes and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
Casey and Kris,
We hadn’t known Todd very long but enjoyed getting to know him in Mexico. I know he had the time of his life there. Hold on to the good memories you have. We are here for you. I’ll think of him every time I see a pina-colada.
I was sadden to hear about Todd. He was a good friend and I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Casey, I am so sad to hear about your dad. I thought the world of him. Even though I knew him only thought the restaurant, I thought of him as a friend. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
I’m so sorry to hear about Todd. You all are in my thoughts and prayers, as I know this is a difficult time for your family. I think about you guys all the time and smile at so many memories; especially each year when we put up our Christmas tree. Hugs to you…
My parents and I met Todd when he was working at the First Watch at 95th and Metcalf many years ago. We always enjoyed visiting with him when we stopped in for breakfast each Sunday after church. My thoughts are with the Babington family at this difficult time.
Casey, We are so sorry to hear about your dad. We always enjoyed seeing him at First Watch on Sundays. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. You all always made it feel like ’Cheers.’ May the memories you have comfort you at this difficult time. *hugs* to you and your entire family.
Sincere condolences to Todd’s family. I have many fond memories of knowing Todd and his sisters, from the old neighborhood and grade school. May he rest in peace.
Having the privilege to know Kris and Casey and see what beautiful young women and kind souls they have become speaks thousands for their father’s love for them both. Though our fathers (John and Todd) didn’t get the opportunity to meet personally in this world as my dad passed a few years back, I have no doubt they are hanging around together in spirit and toasting to their daughters and their successes! What lucky gentlemen they both were to get fine ladies like ourselves for daughters…and they’ll be waiting for us whenever we all get around to joining them some day, with open arms and smiles and no time will seem to have passed. Until then, we have each other ladies, and we’ll march on with the memories!
Todd was one of my very great friends in Lawrence. He will be remembered for his wonderful nature and kindness. This has come as a terrible shock to me. I pray that his soul rests in peace.
Todd you be missed by many,not only myself.A good friend always,and somebody i will remeber forever!Prayers and thoughts will be plenty.Buddy you will be missed.May the Great spirit take good care of you on your heavenly qest.I am so sad to hera about this.Goodbye old friend!!!Goodbye!!
Nearly every Saturday morning for more than 3 years, we enjoyed breakfast at First Watch. Todd was a gracious host, and Casey, along with Becky, Tana, and Sarah, made us feel like a part of the FW family. Our condolences to the Babington and FW families. Todd, we will miss you…
Todd by my perception was Mr. First Watch. I met him through my mom and dad who ate there frequently and always took me there when I visited them in Lawrence. Todd always made me (a stranger) feel as though I had been there all of my life. A gentleman indeed who knew the importance of people in this world and knew the art of making them realize their value and importance. I Thank you, Todd for your treatment of my aging parents who you made to feel important from the first time you met.
Thank you for making this world just a bit better place through your attention to those who entered your life..
May God’s richest blessing be returned to you.
Bob
I enjoyed working for todd over the past couple of years, he was an amazing person and i thought of him as family he will be missed. Much love to Casey and Kris
My sincere condolences to the family. He was a terrific client and an even better listener and friend. He will be missed.
Tammy,Casey,&Kris I am so sorry to hear about Todd, (Dad) to me. If any of you need anything please don’t hesitate to call. I love you all, Sincerely Mike
Not only did he own our favorite breakfast stop, but he has always been a great friend and past neighbor. Breakfast will never be the same, without Todd coming around sitting, chatting and joking with us. Casey and Kris, we will keep you in our prayers and thoughts.
The service was lovely today and I wish I would have shared this story, so here it is:
Todd’s staff meant a lot to him, and he and the restaurant meant a lot to his staff. Being a server at First Watch was my first job out of high school. When my high school sweetheart dumped me, I went to First Watch to talk to my friends (fellow employees). Two years later in 2000, I was still working at First Watch and served a table with a cute guy….I was his waitress and this summer we’ll be married for 10 years, and have two children. My bridal brunch was at First Watch of course, and Todd secretly orchestrated “Here Comes the Bride” to play as I was seated. That was so fun and thoughtful of him! I enjoyed my job at First Watch so much, mostly because of Todd. I’ve always looked forward to breakfast there and visits with Todd since graduating from college and moving onto another job. I will really miss Todd, and wanted his family to know full the measure of his and his restaurant’s role on my life. Blessings, Kelly Evans
Casey and Kris,
David and I just learned about your dad’s passing today. Our deepest sympathies go out to you. We will certainly miss him and pray you both find peace and comfort during this time of grief.
I was a server for Todd back in the early days and just found out from my sister Kelsey who was also a server for him more recently. I learned alot from Todd and always appreciated his kindness and understanding he possessed as a boss, there are very few like him in the industry I’ve spent 16 years in now. One of a kind that is for sure! I’ll always remember his goofy smile and quick wit! My prayers are with his family as he is now with the Lord!
To Casey and Kris, and to all of Todd’s family I want to send my deepest sympathy and prayers. I’ve know Todd almost since First Watch opened, and had been going there regularly from the beginning. I’m the guy from the Post Office, who Todd always used to tease, because I got so much time off (counting vacations and those weird holidays we get). I always felt at home when I went there, and Todd was the big reason for that. I fortunately was able to see and talk to Todd just a few days before he passed away. He came up to me at Dillon’s on 23rd, and greeted me with his familiar smile, asked how I was doing. We shared a few stories and then he smiled and we both said goodbye. I liked Todd very much, and will miss him tremendously. First Watch apparently may open back up but there is no way I can ever go back. Not without Todd. God bless.
Casey, we just heard about your dad’s passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. We will miss seeing Todd so very much. We are so sorry we were not able to attend the visitation and the memorial service. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you and your family.
Tammy, you both touched me and I grieve today. I know he was amazing.