Joshua Babcock's Obituary
Joshua Dean Morgan Babcock, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend to all who knew him, and disciple of Jesus Christ, returned home to his Heavenly Parents on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the age of 25 after a courageous battle with Ewing Sarcoma. Though our hearts miss him deeply, we rejoice in the eternal truth taught by President Russell M. Nelson that “we are born to die, and we die so we can live again.” Through the Savior’s infinite Atonement and Resurrection, Joshua continues in his eternal progression, and we will see him again. (1 Corinthians 15:22)
Joshua was born on February 3, 2000, in Ogden, Utah, and from the beginning radiated joy, kindness, faith, and strength. He attended Wasatch Elementary, Polar Star Learning Co-op, Walquist Junior High, and Fremont High School, where he ran track and cross country and made lifelong friends wherever he went. Joshua was blessed and mentored by loving leaders and friends in the Forest Green Ward, Maguire Canyon Ward, and the Pleasant View 1st Ward, where his testimony of Jesus Christ was nurtured and strengthened. In recent years, Joshua, Samantha, and their family attended the Mantua 4th Ward, where this remarkable ward and the Mantua community lovingly cared for their every need during his battle with cancer—a blessing beyond measure.
He served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Chile Osorno Mission, where he strengthened and shared his testimony of the Savior and blessed countless lives with his love, faith, and service.
Joshua was always in a rush to get on with life and accomplish “the most important things.” At the time, we could not understand this; however, in hindsight, it is remarkable what he accomplished in 25 years. After returning home from his missionary service, Joshua and the love of his life, Samantha Williams, were sealed in the Ogden Temple on July 27, 2021, and together they were blessed with two beautiful children, Hazel (35 months) and Taysom (12 months). Joshua and Sammy purchased their dream home in the beautiful community of Mantua, Utah, where they created a life filled with love, laughter, and faith. Joshua worked as a General Manager for FBC Roofing, where he focused on helping people and was admired for his leadership, integrity, and compassion. He had a remarkable ability to find, recruit, and train excellent employees and leaders, building strong teams that reflected his values of hard work and service. Will and Adam Fullmer, owners of FBC—now Havn—have been and continue to be a tremendous blessing to Joshua and his family, providing support and opportunities that enriched their lives and enabling them financially to make it through the rigors of cancer.
Joshua firmly believed that “NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN FAMILY.” He cherished time with his siblings, parents, and extended family. However, understanding the eternal nature of family and his desire to be a husband and father, Joshua took post-mission dating seriously. From the very beginning, Joshua knew Samantha was the one. After their first date, he told his mom with certainty that he had found his eternal companion. Samantha had always hoped to marry someone who was kind to everyone, and in a blessing her mission president told her that the man she married would notice that she “glowed.” On that first date, Joshua looked at Sammy and said, “Do you know what I love about you? You glow.” That glow—rooted in her faith and goodness—became the light that guided their beautiful life together.
Joshua and Sammy prayed together every night, even when separated by distance, building a foundation of faith that sustained them through every joy and trial. Sammy often said they were perfect for each other—if Joshua had a weakness, it was one of her strengths, and if she had a weakness, Joshua would make up for it with his strengths. Together, they complemented one another in every way, creating a marriage centered on love, faith in Jesus Christ, and unity. Sammy was dedicated to Joshua and their children throughout their battle with cancer, lovingly nurturing and caring for him in every way and ensuring he was as comfortable as possible. She was always found holding his hand and reminding him of her endless and eternal love.
Joshua was a devoted father. Hazel was his best buddy—mowing the lawn together, walking to the lake, splashing barefoot in puddles, and practicing casting with her fishing pole. She always wanted to be with her dad and snuggle him close; Hazel was truly a daddy’s girl. Taysom loved his dad deeply, even though most of his young life, Joshua was very sick. With understanding eyes, Taysom watched and learned from his hero dad, feeling his love and strength in quiet, tender, and faithful moments.
Joshua deeply loved and cherished Samantha’s family. From the beginning, he felt welcomed and embraced by them, and he often expressed gratitude for their kindness and support. He admired their faith, their unity, and the way they loved Sammy—and by extension, him. Joshua built strong bonds with each member of her family, sharing laughter, meaningful conversations, and countless memories. Their unwavering love and encouragement strengthened him through life’s joys and trials, and he considered them not just in-laws, but an extension of his own eternal family and best friends.
Joshua was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma on his 25th birthday and, after a valiant fight, passed away on his son Taysom’s 1st birthday—a tender reminder of life’s sacred timing and the eternal hope we have in Jesus Christ. His greatest joy was found in his family, with friends, and in his devotion to the Savior and God’s plan. Joshua wanted nothing more than to live and grow old with Sammy and raise their family together; his dream was to be worthy and capable of presiding with Sammy as mission leaders. Yet faithfully, he faced every trial with courage and unwavering trust in God’s plan. Even though his mortal aspirations were not realized, we cherish the reality that Joshua, Sammy, and their children are sealed for eternity by restored priesthood keys (Doctrine and Covenants 132:19–24) and that Joshua can continue as a missionary for Jesus Christ (Doctrine and Covenants 138:57).
Joshua was known for his warm smile, quick sense of humor, keen intellect, and ability to make everyone feel valued. He loved adventure and the beauty of God’s creations—mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, spearfishing, surfing, and trips to Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge with his family were among his favorite activities. He was an avid BYU fan. Even in extreme sickness, Joshua seemed to save up strength throughout the week so he could watch BYU Football with Sammy and his mom and dad. Joshua’s life reflected the pure love of Christ—gentle, patient, and full of hope. Even in his hardest moments, he lifted those around him with words of faith and encouragement. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering testimony.
Throughout Joshua’s illness, his mother, Elizabeth, gave unwavering and indefatigable care. She slept on hospital couches and chairs, lived on limited sleep and food for months, and devoted every ounce of strength to comforting and caring for her son. Her tireless love is a living example of Christlike service and a source of peace and courage for Joshua and all who witnessed her devotion. “The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame.” (Alma 11:43)
“The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life. Because of Jesus Christ, we can live again with those we love. Families can be together forever.”
—President Russell M. Nelson
We express heartfelt gratitude to all who prayed, fasted, and served on Joshua’s behalf. Your faith and love sustained him and our family through this difficult journey. Though healing did not come in the way we hoped, we testify that every prayer was heard and brought heaven’s peace.
“Healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a ‘healing’ cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are ‘healed’ by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us.”
—President Dallin H. Oaks
Joshua is survived by his wife, Samantha; their children Hazel and Taysom, his parents Daniel and Elizabeth Babcock, his siblings, Alexandria Barlow (Greg), Samuel, Hannah, Abigail, Jacob, and Emily Rebekah, Sammy’s Parents, Royce and Kaelynn Williams and Sammy’s siblings, Spencer, Turner, Elle, Emmalee and Benjamin. He has now joined his loved ones who have gone before, including his two grandfathers, and is continuing his eternal journey in the presence of these loved ones and God—“to teach the gospel of repentance and redemption through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 138:57).
How to Help:
We’ve had countless people ask how they can help Sammy and her children. Please continue to pray for them and if able, any donations would be greatly appreciated.
https://GiveSendGo.com/JoshuaBabcock
Venmo: @Joshua-Babcock-8
Celebration of Life
Joshua refused to talk about dying, believing to the end in the hope of a saving miracle. However, shortly after his diagnosis, and in an attempt to break up the sadness, Joshua blurted out in typical Joshua exuberance:
“I don't want a viewing or funeral! That’s for old people! I want a party to gather those I love and to celebrate together!”
Consistent with his wishes, we are holding a party—a joyful gathering to celebrate the life he lived and the hope we share in Christ.
Friday, December 12 – Viewing: 6:00–8:00 PM
Saturday, December 13 – Viewing: 10:30–11:30 AM
Celebration Service: 12:00 PM
Location: 237 S Willard Peak Road, Mantua, Utah
To Join Us For the Live Stream of Joshua’s Services, Visit:
Password: Joshua
Please join us to share memories, laughter, and faith in Jesus Christ as we honor Joshua’s remarkable life.
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