Wayne Keith Babcock was born in Billings, Montana. He was raised in and around Red Lodge and graduated from Red Lodge high school. He enlisted in the US Navy and honorably served four years. After the Navy he went to college in Michigan and became a teacher. Keith and his wife Zada Gae (nee Farnum) searched for a home for their family in Alaska and Northport, Washington before returning to Montana in 1976. They built a home on 2 acres of the Farnum ranch and lived there for the rest of their lives. 

Keith’s career started with teaching and led through other jobs until he found his calling as a chaplain at the Montana Rescue Mission where he worked for many years. He was a mentor and spiritual guide for many of the disenfranchised and incarcerated of the Billings community. 

Keith was also active in martial arts and mentored many young people through his years of studying various disciplines. To them, he was affectionately known as “Chappy”. 

Keith was preceded in death by his eldest son Clayton and his wife Zada Gae. He is survived by his children Shelley, Reno, Cheyenne and Codi, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Memorial services will be at the Vineyard Church at 1413 Rosebud Lane in Billings, Montana on September 12, 2026 at 1pm.