Lewis Theodore Batt Jr.

He was born in Orange, N.J., Jan. 31, 1927, son of Lewis T. and Ethel (Green) Batt Sr. He graduated from high school in New Jersey and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy for a brief time. Then he attended and graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in engineering.

His first job was with American Bridge U.S. Steel Corp. in Trenton, N.J., for five years. He then moved to New Hampshire and began working as the first employee of the newly formed Baybutt Construction. He began his career there estimating and also keeping the books. He retired from there in 2001 as the chief estimator.

For many years, Mr. Batt served as the building inspector for the town of Swanzey. He also helped with the start-up of the Swanzey Campground including cutting down trees and helping build various buildings. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Keene for many years.

Mr. Batt enjoyed woodworking and construction. He was also an accomplished gardener. He was fond of listening to the older style of country-western music. Every year, he would take a trip to Nashville, Tenn., to hear various country-western singers.

He was a humble man and a hard worker.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine Batt of Swanzey; his children, Madison Batt of Seattle, Jennifer Batt of Lancaster, Stephen Batt of Forrest, Va., Deborah Rosselli of Whitinsville, Mass., Nancy Batt of Brighton, Mass., and Theodore Batt 3rd of Lynchburg, Va.; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a brother, David Batt of Princeton, N.J.; and a sister, Judy Myers of Fitzwilliam. His two brothers, Russell Batt and Richard Batt, died earlier.

Services will be held Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, Maple Avenue, in Keene. Burial will be held in the spring. Fletcher Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Keene is in charge of arrangements. A visitation hour will be held before the service from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Batt's name may be made to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Road, Swanzey 03446 or Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services, 312 Marlboro St., Keene 03431.