Clarence Horace "Batch" Batchelder II 81, a longtime resident of Marlborough, NH, passed away peacefully surrounded in the love of his family, on Monday, March 16, 2020, at the Keene Center Genesis in Keene.
His parents, Marie (Warner) and Clarence H. Batchelder, Sr., welcomed their son into the world on December 2, 1938 in Keene, NH. He grew up in Keene and was a 1957 graduate of Keene High School.
Clarence was inducted into the Army on September 14, 1961, serving in active duty for two years. Wanting to continue to serve his country, Clarence transferred to the NH Army National Guard where he continued his service in the 744th Transportation Unit for 22 years until his retirement on October 16, 1994, earning the rank of Sergeant.
A very dedicated and hard worker, Clarence, worked for the Payne Construction Company; Elm City Oil Company; Rice Oil Company, and O’Connell Oil Company in Greenfield, MA. He also worked for the Town of Marlborough.
He was a 25-year member of the Marlborough Fire Department; a member and past post commander of the Croteau-Coutts American Legion Marlborough Post 24; and a member of the Elks Club.
On July 18, 1959, he married the love of his life, Bette Anne Laurendeau. Together, they adopted two children and then had one child of their own. They were married for 52 years until her death in April of 2011.
He loved joking, laughing and helping people. His family, especially his grandkids and great-grandkids brought him immense joy!
He will be greatly missed by many, especially his three children, son Clarence H. "Tiger" Batchelder III of Nelson, NH, daughter, Denise M. Werner and her husband, David, of Lutz, FL, son, Christopher P. Batchelder and his wife, Tammy, of Keene; six grandchildren, Alex Sawtelle of Greenwich, NY, Katie Treshinsky of Peterborough, NH, Shawn Bleau Keene, Stacey Bleau of Troy, NH, Laynie Batchelder of Keene, McKenna Batchelder of Keene; eight great-grandchildren, Chloe, Maddie, Evan, Harper, Terri, Lizza, Molly and Griffin. He is also survived by two sisters, Norma Callahan of Keene, Sandra Theriault Baez, of Interlachen, FL; a brother-in-law, Paul Laurendeau of Nelson; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members.
A graveside committal service with military honors will be held on Monday, September 21, 2020 at 11:00am in St. Joseph Cemetery, Main Street, Keene. Family and friends are invited to call on Friday evening, September 18, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00pm in the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene.
For those who wish, donations may be made in Mr. Batchelder’s memory to the Resident Activity Fund at the Keene Center Genesis, 677 Court Street, Keene, NH 03431.
