Obituaries

Elton E “Buzz” Babbitt, one of the true innovators in the tank truck industry, died Sept 27, 2007. He was 75. Babbitt founded Montgomery Tank Lines and built it (through an affiliate system) into one of the largest tank truck carriers in the United States. It was eventually merged with Chemical Leaman Tank Lines to form Quality Carriers Inc. Over the years, Babbitt explored a multitude of bulk transportation opportunities, including tank trailers on flatcars and tank containers. Babbitt is survived by his wife, Barbara Babbitt; daughters, Robin Malinowski and Jeanette Howard; a son, Gordon; two sisters; a brother; and nine grandchildren.