P. Joseph "Joe" Batchelder

P. Joseph "Joe" Batchelder

9/1 7/1952 - 5/25/25

Joe Batchelder entered into eternal life on Sunday, May 25th. He fought the good fight until the end, with candor and grace.

Joe was born on September 17, 1952, in Ironton, Ohio and lived in various towns in Ohio until settling in Canton, where he attended Lehman High School. Joe went on to the University of Michigan and then Ohio University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a BS and master's in mechanical engineering. He was inducted into the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. While at Ohio

University, he conducted extensive research on the Sterling engine well before alternatives to gasoline engines were being explored.

Joe's career was in the steel and automotive industries as a mechanical engineer, working at Republic Steel in Canton and at AAA Tube in Jackson, Michigan. He had a brilliant mind for figuring out how to fix anything.

Joe lived a life of service, volunteering his time to the Jaycees and the American Red Cross. He spent days assisting with hurricanes in Florida and with recovery after 911 in New York City. Perhaps one of his most inspiring trips was to Guatemala with his church, his interaction with the people there moved deeply.

Another important role that Joe had as a volunteer was with the Boy Scouts, as he shared his love for the outdoors and his sense of duty to his sons, Andrew and Bob through Scouting. Both sons became Eagle Scouts, earning the highest designation of Scouting.

Joe's family owned The Hope Dairy Farm in Athens County where Joe enjoyed working many summers.

When he was younger, Joe played tennis and as his children grew up, he became a soccer coach and referee at the high school level. He also loved college football, cheering on the Wolverines and creating a spirited family rivalry with the Ohio State fans. Everyone always looked forward to Thanksgiving with the big game. Joe hung up his tennis racket and learned to play bridge in his later days when he returned to Canton, playing in several groups each week.

Perhaps the central focus in Joe's life was his faith; he leaned into it for strength and guidance. A highlight was to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, which was a lifechanging experience. Joe saw life in a simple, straightforward way, living the Golden Rule. He helped his family deal with his illness by telling them how to talk with a dying person; just listen.

Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Batchelder, who he reconnected with at their 50th high school reunion. She

brought him much joy in his last years through her love of hiking and the outdoors, as well as much comfort during his illness. He is also survived by his children, Kris Boratyn (Randy), Andrew (Sara), Bob (Jess); stepchildren, Amy (Nathan) Sikora, Matthew Ernst, Dan (Anne) Reiman; parents, Paul Eu and Barbara Batchelder; siblings, John R Batchelder, Sarah (Todd) Clark and James (Jacquie) Batchelder; Peggy Johnston, Ben Conley, Jim (Rachel) Unger; Debbie Clark Batchelder, the mother of his children, 5 grandchildren, 7 step grandchildren, and numerous beloved nephews and nieces.

Joe was predeceased by his Hope and Batchelder grandparents, nephew, Jack Batchelder, and his sister-in-law, Dr-Cindy Walker

The family thanks Aultman Hospice, (Amy, Dave, Jennifer, Karen), Dr. Jim Johns, Pastor Jamie Walters, the staff at

The Windsor, for their countless hours of care for Joe, Lamiell Funeral Home, and the many friends and family who visited and prayed for Joe.

Services will be held July 5th at 11:00 at Real Hope Global Methodist Church in Canton.

Joe will be deeply missed and will always be remembered for his dedication to helping others.

To share cherished memories of Joe and celebrate his life, family and friends may visit www.lamiellfuneralhome.com.