Mathai (Babu) Ittycherian

Mathai Ittycherian (Babu) was born on September 22, 1942, the oldest son of C.M. Ittycheria and Achamma Ittycherian and lived In Chudukattil House In Thalavadi, Kerala. He was raised in a family that followed the Orthodox Marthoma Church. However, at the age of 10, the family became members of The Pentecostal Mission in Thalavadi. Shortly after, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, and at the age of 18, he was baptized and received the Holy Spirit. He joined the Indian Air Force, where he served for many years. He was stationed in different parts of India, then settled in Delhi, and retired there as well. On November 27, 1969 Babu married Leelamma Kuruvilla. The Lord soon blessed them with their daughter Jenis. They raised her in the ways of the Lord and kept Christ as the center of their family. When Babu's father passed in 1972, he took the responsibility of taking care of his mother and his younger siblings, providing care and support as long as they needed it. His family migrated to the US in 1991 and settled in Houston, Texas until last year when he and his wife moved to Dallas to live near their daughter's family.

He was known by many as a man of gentle and loving character. His sweet countenance and smile made all who spoke to him at ease. He was always joyful in the Lord which often helped him make difficult situations light by his wit and funny remarks. He loved to sing and often encouraged those around him to boldly sing to the Lord. His unconditional love for his wife was evident by the way he cared for her, consistently and joyfully. Through many difficult seasons of life, he preserved and showed what it meant to rejoice always in every circumstance. He was a man of great integrity and character, one who valued honesty and loyalty. He was an example to all who met him and his actions spoke volumes of his great faith in God.

He is survived by his wife Leelamma, his daughter Jenis, her husband Gerzim and his grandchildren Feba, Stanley and Sharon. He is also survived by his siblings: Ammukutty Chacko, Alice Cherian (who serves the Lord as a Center Mother in The Pentecostal Mission Ernakulam, Kerala), Samuel Ittycherian, Valsamma Thomas, Rosamma Mathew, and Thomas Ittycherian and countless family members that loved him so much.

On May 15th, he peacefully departed to his eternal home in the presence of his family. We have the assurance that he is with the Lord and we look forward to seeing him on the other side.