Donald Batchelor

1939 - 2016

Donald Lee Batchelor, of Louisville, passed away on December 3, 2016, at the age of 77. Don was born on March 2, 1939, to Alfred and Bonnie (Burk) Batchelor, in Clifton, CO. He met his wife of 56 years, Jennie Vigil, in Denver, Colorado through a friend, and married her shortly thereafter, on December 30, 1960. He had four children, Donna, Cheryl, Ray, and Michael. He joined the Navy in 1956, and lived in numerous places during his career. In 1975, he retired and settled in Louisville where he remained for the rest of his life. Donald was a First Class Engineman for the Navy. The work he did on diesel engines for the Navy spilled over into his personal life. He discovered that he enjoyed tinkering with everything, including things at home that didn't really need tinkering. Don loved fishing, bowling, cooking, playing cards, country music, and watching westerns and the news. He had a habit of playing practical jokes on his family and friends. Donald's greatest passion in life was for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ken, and sister Shirley. He is survived by his loving wife Jennie Batchelor; four children: Donna McClure, Cheryl (Andy) Calvo, Ray (Sheri) Batchelor, and Michael Batchelor; 7 grandchildren: Jordan McClure, Nicole (Jason) Ketcherside, Ashley Wurl, Andrew Calvo, Lily Batchelor, Grace Batchelor, and Samuel Batchelor; 3 great-grandchildren: Madison, Landon, and Riley; brothers Allan Batchelor, William (Charlie) Batchelor, and Ed (Terri) Batchelor; sisters Sharon (Jack) Cheskaty, Vickie (Fred) Lamb, and Bonnie Gayle Batchelor; as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, December 8, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Tri-City Elks Lodge in Louisville.