Charles Richard Batteau

To friends and family he was simply Chuck, to his children he was Dad, and to his grandchildren he was proudly known as Papa.

Everyone who met Chuck could sense his innate kindness. He had a gentle presence and a sense of humor that never left him, even in difficult moments. His family remembers him as someone who approached life with both conviction and good humor.

Chuck lived a life defined by faith, service, and devotion to the people around him. He often said that he held several “citizenships”: first in the Kingdom of Heaven through faith in Jesus Christ, then as a Virginian by residence, a United States citizen by birth, and finally a Texan by the Grace of God.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army, with assignments in Berlin and Vietnam, and later continued his service in the Army Reserve, ultimately ending his military service with the rank of Major. His sense of duty and commitment to service remained an important part of who he was throughout his life.

After his military service, Chuck spent 30 years working for Verizon, where he built a respected career in information technology while supporting his family.

His faith was central to his life. At First Baptist Church, Chuck served faithfully in both the music ministry and the television ministry, using his gifts to support his church community. His desire to serve extended beyond his local congregation through short-term mission work in Brazil and Slovakia. To many who knew him, Chuck was a strong pillar in their faith; someone whose steady belief, quiet example, and encouragement helped guide others in their own walk with Christ.

Chuck also devoted many years to mentoring young men as Scoutmaster of Troop 751 in Glen Allen, where he helped guide Scouts as they learned leadership, responsibility, and character.

He believed strongly in personal responsibility and freedom, often quoting his favorite saying: “TANSTAAFL — There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch,” a phrase popularized by Robert Heinlein. It was a principle he tried to apply to every part of life, including his civic engagement. He was a passionate supporter of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights, particularly the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 9th, and 10th Amendments. Motivated by his strong belief in the Constitution, Chuck served as an elections officer and was remembered by fellow officers as a committed public servant.

Above all else, Chuck was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife, Dita; siblings Allen and Kim Batteau; children Todd Batteau and Shelley Wolfslau; and grandchildren Hannah, Jameson, and Isabelle.

He will be remembered as a man of faith, service, humor, and kindness—a loving husband, father, and “Papa” whose steady presence and warm spirit touched everyone who knew him.

A funeral will be held at First Baptist Church on March 14, 2026 at 11am. A viewing will be held at Woody Funeral Home at Parham on March 13, 2026 from 5pm to 8pm.